What Is Tochigi Prefectural Central Park?

Located in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, Tochigi Prefectural Central Park is a prefectural urban park developed that brings together“Water, Greenery, and Culture.” Within the park are four ponds—Chinshō Pond, Shōwa Pond, Omokage Pond, and Mutsubi Pond—each creating its own distinct scenery that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons.

The park was developed as part of a commemorative project celebrating the 50th anniversary of Emperor Shōwa’s reign, with construction beginning in 1977 and the park opening in October 1982. It is a charming place where open landscapes and cultural facilities coexist in perfect harmony.
Here, we’ll introduce the park’s highlights, ways to enjoy it in each season, photo spots, and the attractions of the nearby Tochigi Prefectural Museum—all in a gentle, easy-to-read tone.

Highlights of Tochigi Prefectural Central Park

Photo: Central Park, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture

● Sunken Garden (Western-style Garden)
Located at the park’s entrance, the Sunken Garden is designed in a “sunken” style, with the ground level slightly lower than its surroundings, creating an open view that extends toward the sky. Inspired by European garden design, it features beautiful seasonal flowerbeds and tree-lined walkways, offering a refreshing space where visitors can feel the changes of the seasons.
Depending on the time of day, the light changes dramatically—bright and vibrant at noon, then softly tinted with orange hues in the evening. With many benches available, it’s a place where you’ll want to take your time and relax.

● Shōwa Pond and the Great Fountain
Shōwa Pond, located in the center of the park, is its symbolic feature. The wide water surface reflects the sky and changes expression with the wind.
The large fountain that shoots up about 20 meters high is quite dynamic, and on sunny days, the water sparkles beautifully in the light.
Walking paths encircle the pond, and visitors can be seen jogging, reading on benches, or simply relaxing. The sound of the fountain acts as a soothing natural background, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

● Japanese Garden (Mutsubi Pond and Shōkei Bridge)
At the back of the park lies the Japanese Garden, a tranquil area where nature and serenity harmonize beautifully.
At its center, Mutsubi Pond reflects maple trees and pines on its calm surface, especially stunning in autumn when the colorful leaves are mirrored on the water. Many photographers visit during this season to capture the scene’s quiet beauty.
The garden’s symbolic Shōkei Bridge crosses the center of the pond, and the view changes depending on where you stand. The plants and stone arrangements are perfectly balanced, making it a popular spot for photos.
The sounds of wind and water resonate through the garden, creating a calm and peaceful environment that feels far removed from the city.

● Omokage Pond (In front of Tochigi Prefectural Museum)
Omokage Pond, located in front of the Tochigi Prefectural Museum, is the most serene of the park’s four ponds.
The building and surrounding trees are beautifully reflected on its surface, changing expression dramatically with the seasons and weather.
In spring, the soft green of new leaves brightens the area; in summer, the shadows deepen; in autumn, colorful foliage paints the water; and in winter, the crisp air and clear reflections create a tranquil beauty—perfect for those who enjoy quiet moments in nature.

Enjoying the Park Through the Four Seasons

Photo: Cherry Blossoms at Central Park, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture

● Spring
As spring arrives, the park begins to bloom with color. The flowerbeds in the Sunken Garden are filled with cheerful blossoms, while cherry trees around Shōwa Pond create soft pink reflections on the water, forming a scene unique to springtime.
In the Japanese Garden, the fresh green maples sprout new leaves, filling the area with a vibrant energy that lifts your spirits as you stroll through.

● Summer
During summer, the trees are at their greenest, and the shade throughout the park provides a pleasant coolness. Around Shōwa Pond, breezes flow easily, and in the evenings, the air becomes refreshingly cool, making it a great time for a leisurely walk.
The spacious lawns are popular for picnics and relaxing under the trees, offering the laid-back atmosphere of summer.

Photo: Autumn leaves at Central Park, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture

● Autumn
Autumn is one of the most popular seasons at Tochigi Prefectural Central Park.
The paths are covered with colorful foliage, creating a beautiful “tunnel of autumn leaves.”
At Mutsubi Pond in the Japanese Garden, the reflections of the leaves are especially stunning, attracting many photographers.
At Shōwa Pond, the combination of the fountain and autumn colors creates a scene that is both dynamic and serene.
The flowerbeds in the Sunken Garden also bloom with autumn flowers, filling the park with a warm and calm atmosphere—perfect for a stroll.

● Winter
In winter, the structural beauty of the gardens is most visible.
In the Japanese Garden, the bare branches and stone arrangements stand out clearly, creating dramatic contrasts.
At Omokage Pond, the crisp winter air enhances the reflections, and on clear mornings, the water surface mirrors the sky like glass. It’s an ideal time to quietly enjoy nature’s stillness.

What Can You See at the Tochigi Prefectural Museum?

The Tochigi Prefectural Museum, located adjacent to the park, is a comprehensive museum showcasing the prefecture’s nature, history, and culture. Its exhibits cover a wide range of themes, including:
・Historical materials related to Tochigi Prefecture
・Specimens of plants, animals, and minerals
・Exhibits on ancient ruins and folk culture
・Artifacts related to crafts and fine arts
・Special and seasonal exhibitions
The museum offers something for visitors of all ages.
In addition to the indoor exhibits, the surrounding walking paths are also worth exploring.
Many trees are labeled with their species names, allowing visitors to enjoy a casual nature walk while learning about the local flora.
Together with the serene Omokage Pond, the area offers a unique blend of “nature and culture” in one visit.

Best Photo Spots

Photo: Central Park, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture

Tochigi Prefectural Central Park is full of “photo-worthy” views. Each season offers different scenery, making it a perfect destination for photography enthusiasts.

● Sunken Garden
Great for wide-angle shots that include the open sky. The flower colors change dramatically with the seasons, so every visit feels fresh and new.

● Shōwa Pond (Great Fountain)
The mood of the pond changes completely depending on the time of day—morning, midday, or evening. The reflection of sunlight on the water and the golden glow at sunset are particularly beautiful.

● Mutsubi Pond (Japanese Garden)
Especially popular during autumn, when still days allow the colorful leaves to reflect perfectly on the water. It’s a spot filled with classic Japanese charm.

● Shōkei Bridge
Standing at the center of the bridge gives you a perfectly balanced view on both sides, ideal for capturing the depth and harmony of the garden.

● Omokage Pond
Known for its calm reflections of trees and buildings, this spot offers a quiet beauty that changes with the weather and seasons.

● Tree-Lined Paths
The paths circling the park transform completely with the seasons—especially in autumn, when they become a stunning “corridor of red leaves.”

Access

・By train: About 15 minutes by local bus from JR Utsunomiya Station or Tobu-Utsunomiya Station. Get off at “Chūō Kōen / Hakubutsukan-mae.”
・By car: Parking available (arriving early is recommended during busy times).

Basic Information

・Address: 2-50 Mutsumichō, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture
・Opening Hours:
　March–September: 5:00–20:00
　October–February: 5:30–18:00
・Closed: Open year-round
・Admission: Free
Official Website

Summary

Tochigi Prefectural Central Park is a beautiful urban park where four ponds and a blend of Japanese and Western gardens create a rich, scenic landscape. With cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and serene stillness in winter, each season offers its own distinct charm.
Autumn is especially breathtaking, with reflections of colored leaves and a tranquil garden atmosphere that soothes the heart.
It’s a place where you can enjoy both nature and culture—take a leisurely walk and experience the beauty of the changing seasons.