A Park Filled with Seasonal Flowers
A Popular Cherry Blossom and Azalea Viewing Spot
Kezoji Park is known as one of Gunma Prefecture’s notable flower-viewing destinations. In spring, numerous cherry trees burst into bloom, creating beautiful scenery throughout the park.
Walking paths lined with cherry trees create the impression of a tunnel of blossoms, while the spacious lawns provide ideal places for enjoying hanami, the Japanese tradition of viewing and appreciating cherry blossoms. During the peak flowering season, the park becomes especially lively as visitors gather to enjoy the flowers.
After the cherry blossom season, colorful azaleas begin to bloom throughout the grounds. Red, pink, white, and other shades brighten the park, creating another spectacular display. From spring into early summer, Kezoji Park truly lives up to its reputation as a park of flowers.
The Water-Plant Garden and Japanese Irises
A peaceful pond known as Kezoji-numa lies within the park, with a water-plant garden developed around its shores. In early summer, Japanese irises come into bloom, creating a tranquil waterside landscape.
The flowers reflected on the surface of the water make the area a popular spot for photography. Surrounded by greenery and water, it is an ideal place to slow down and enjoy a peaceful moment away from the bustle of the city.
Kezoji Temple: The Historic Namesake of the Park
A Historic Buddhist Temple Dating Back to the Heian Period
Adjacent to the park is Kezoji Temple, a temple belonging to the Tendai school of Japanese Buddhism. Its full name is Kyurinzan Jodo-in Kezoji.
According to temple tradition, Kezoji was founded in 872 by the Tendai Buddhist monk Enchin, also known as Jikaku Daishi. With a history stretching back more than a thousand years, the temple is an important part of the area’s cultural heritage.
The temple grounds have a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, and many visitors combine a walk through Kezoji Park with a visit to the temple. Surrounded by trees and greenery, the historic temple provides a serene contrast to the lively amusement park nearby.
The Historic Kezoji Kinmokusei
In the temple’s front garden stands a magnificent fragrant olive tree (kinmokusei) believed to be around 400 years old.
The tree was designated a National Natural Monument in 1937. In autumn, its small flowers release a distinctive sweet fragrance, attracting visitors and worshippers.
Although the tree has suffered damage from typhoons in the past, it continues to be carefully protected and remains one of the symbols of Kezoji Temple.
Kezoji Park Amusement Park
A Family-Friendly Amusement Park with Free Admission
One of the biggest attractions within Kezoji Park is the Kezoji Park Amusement Park. Admission to the amusement park itself is free, with visitors paying separately for individual rides and attractions.
Ride prices are notably affordable. Some attractions cost only around ¥50, while even the more expensive rides are generally priced in the ¥300 range. This makes the amusement park particularly accessible to families with young children and has helped make it a beloved local attraction for many years.
The Giant Ferris Wheel “Himawari”
The amusement park’s most recognizable landmark is the giant Ferris wheel known as “Himawari,” meaning “Sunflower.”
Standing approximately 65 to 70 meters tall, it is one of the larger Ferris wheels in the northern Kanto region. Its distinctive silhouette can be seen from many parts of Isesaki.
A complete rotation takes approximately 12 minutes. From the gondolas, visitors can enjoy leisurely views across Isesaki and the surrounding landscape. On clear days, distant mountains can also be seen. The scenery is particularly beautiful around sunset.
The “Cosmic Express” Water Roller Coaster
Another popular attraction is the “Cosmic Express” roller coaster. Installed in 1990, it attracted attention as Japan’s first water roller coaster.
The course travels over Kezoji-numa, giving riders the unusual sensation of speeding across the water. With a top speed of approximately 75 km/h, sharp turns and fast sections provide an exciting experience.
Attractions for Children and Adults
The amusement park also features a variety of other rides, including a carousel, log flume, Sky Fighter, and miniature train.
Many of the attractions are suitable for young children, allowing families with children of different ages to enjoy the park together. The combination of affordable rides and free admission makes it possible to spend a relaxed day here without a large budget.
A Comprehensive Park with Extensive Sports Facilities
Isesaki City Athletic Stadium
Kezoji Park is also an important sports and recreation center. One of its principal facilities is the Isesaki City Athletic Stadium.
The stadium is certified as a Class 3 athletics facility by the Japan Association of Athletics Federations. It covers approximately 39,000 square meters and can accommodate around 5,000 spectators.
The facility hosts track and field competitions, community sporting events, school activities, and other events. It is also known as the start and finish venue for the Isesaki City Marathon, bringing many runners to the area.
Baseball and Tennis Facilities
The park also has a baseball field and tennis courts, which are used for local competitions, club activities, school sporting events, and recreational activities.
These facilities play an important role in promoting health, exercise, and community interaction among residents of Isesaki.
Seasonal Events at Kezoji Park
Spring Flower Festival
Every spring, the park hosts the Flower Festival. The event takes place around the time when the cherry blossoms and azaleas are at their best, filling the park with a festive atmosphere.
During the festival period, the amusement park’s operating hours are extended into the evening. Visitors can therefore enjoy the Ferris wheel and other attractions after sunset, as well as the illuminated park landscape—a different experience from visiting during the daytime.
Isesaki Fireworks Festival
At the end of summer, the Isesaki Fireworks Festival draws large crowds to the area. Colorful fireworks illuminate the night sky, creating an impressive spectacle around the park.
The amusement park also extends its operating hours for this event, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy the attractions at night while experiencing the festive atmosphere of the fireworks.
A Historic Steam Locomotive
Preservation of Steam Locomotive C61 No. 20
Kezoji Park Amusement Park once displayed Steam Locomotive C61 No. 20 as a static exhibit. This historic locomotive had operated in regions including Tohoku and Kyushu and became popular with railway enthusiasts.
In 2010, JR East decided to restore the locomotive to operating condition. It was subsequently transported to the Omiya General Rolling Stock Center for restoration.
The locomotive is no longer displayed in the park, but rails and other traces remain at its former display location, providing a reminder of the park’s connection with Japan’s railway heritage.
The History of Kezoji Park
A Historic Park Developed During the Meiji Era
The development of Kezoji Park began in 1893, during the Meiji era, and the park was completed in 1911.
When it first opened, it was known as Isesaki Park and served as a place where local residents could relax and enjoy open space. The park was later renamed after the historic Kezoji Temple located next to it. Today, the park is managed and operated by the City of Isesaki.
The park covers approximately 26.6 hectares, making it one of the largest public parks in Isesaki. Over its long history, facilities have been added and renovated repeatedly to meet the changing needs of the community.
In recent years, redevelopment projects have also been undertaken to further improve the park’s appeal, including efforts to enhance the landscape and develop facilities such as cafes.
Access to Kezoji Park
By Train
Kezoji Park is approximately a 20-minute walk from Isesaki Station, which is served by the JR Ryomo Line and Tobu Isesaki Line.
Visitors can also use Isesaki City’s community bus service, Aozora, to travel to an area near the park.
By Car
By car, the park is approximately 10 minutes from the Isesaki Interchange on the Kita-Kanto Expressway. It is also about 5 minutes from the Hashie Smart Interchange.
Parking facilities are available, making Kezoji Park a convenient destination for visitors exploring Gunma by car.
A Place Where Nature, History, and Entertainment Meet
Kezoji Park brings together a historic Buddhist temple, beautiful seasonal flowers, waterside scenery, an amusement park, sports facilities, and community events in one expansive setting.
Visitors can stroll beneath cherry blossoms and azaleas, admire Japanese irises beside the pond, visit the historic Kezoji Temple, or enjoy family-friendly rides at the amusement park. Sports enthusiasts can also make use of the park’s athletic and recreational facilities.
Because the park offers different experiences throughout the year, it is a destination that can be enjoyed in every season. Its combination of nature, cultural heritage, family entertainment, and local community life makes it one of the distinctive attractions of Isesaki.
When visiting Isesaki, consider adding Kezoji Park to your itinerary to experience a relaxed side of Gunma where traditional culture and modern recreation exist side by side.