Step Back in Time at Gifu Seiryu-Satoyama Park

May 30, 2023

Step Back in Time at Gifu Seiryu-Satoyama Park

While most people besotted with Japanese history tend to focus on the periods of samurai and geisha, there is more to Japan than dudes quoting haiku and swinging katana blades. One of the most interesting periods was not that long ago, the Showa era (1926 – 1989), and at Gifu Seiryu-Satoyama Park, you can step back in time to visit that remarkable age.

Gifu Seiryu-Satoyama Park

Previously known as Showa Mura [Showa Village], Gifu Seiryu-Satoyama Park recreates the idyllic atmosphere of a quiet mountainside village in the 1930s. The park is a beautiful natural paradise that showcases Japan’s dedication to preserving its rich biodiversity and traditional landscapes through sightseeing attractions.

Seiryu-Satoyama Park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, encompassing forests, rivers, wetlands, and agricultural fields. The park’s name, “Seiryu,” means “clear stream,” reflecting the pristine waterways flowing through the area, creating an ideal habitat for aquatic life.

Visitors can enjoy picturesque landscapes throughout the year as the seasons ebb and flow, with cherry blossoms painting the park in delicate pinks and purples during spring and vibrant reds and golds in autumn. The park’s enchanting walking trails allow you to wander amongst the forests, rice, tea, and mulberry fields while the rivers teem with medaka rice fish and fireflies. If you are lucky, you may even encounter wildlife such as deer, squirrels, and myriad bird species.

Family Fun

One of the unique features of Gifu Seiryu-Satoyama Park is its emphasis on preserving traditional Japanese farming practices. Within the park, visitors can witness farmers tending to rice paddies, cultivating vegetables, and practicing traditional methods of agriculture that have been passed down through generations.

The park is also an educational hub, offering various workshops and programs to promote environmental conservation and cultural heritage. Visitors can participate in hands-on experiences such as rice planting, vegetable harvesting, tofu production, and traditional crafts, providing a deeper understanding of the life of this bygone age. In addition, there are climbing nets, go-karting, and park toys to play on, so your children will also love it!

Gifu Seiryu-Satoyama Park is a testament to Japan’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage and traditional practices. It offers a tranquil escape from the bustling urban life, allowing you to reconnect with nature, immerse yourself in Japanese culture, and appreciate the side of Japan’s history that wasn’t swinging a sword around its head.

Gifu Seiryu-Satoyama Park Details

Where: 2292-1 Yamanouecho, Minokamo, Gifu 505-0003 (map)
Access: From Mino-Ota Station, take a Minokamo Aiai bus on the Bunka no Mori/Koen Line and get off at the “Gifu Seiryu-Satoyama Koen” bus stop (11-17 min)
Website: satoyama-park.gifu.jp
Hours: ＊March to November: 9 am – 6 pm
＊December to February: 10 am – 5 pm
＊Bathhouses: 10 am – 10 pm
Admission: Free (attractions and activities cost extra. Prices vary.)

 

Images: https://satoyama-park.gifu.jp/