If you are a history buff who loves ocean views, visit Oishi Park (生石公園) at the southeastern tip of Awaji Island. The park, located on a hill, was built from the Yura Fortress (由良要塞跡). In early spring, you can see the plum blossoms blooming on the slope leading to the sea from the Oishi Strait Observation Deck (生石海峡展望台) close to the car park.
Oishi Park was opened in 2010 after 260 plums were planted on the hill and roads were paved. The plum blossom season is usually between late February and mid-March.
What You Can See from the Oishi Strait Observation Deck
You will also get a panoramic view of Osaka Bay and the Kitan Strait (紀淡海峡) from the observatory. The narrow and long island is Naruga Island (成ヶ島). As it resembles the famous Amanohashidate in Kyoto, people also call it Awaji’s Hashidate (淡路の橋立). While the island isn’t habituated, it is a tourist destination that can be accessed by regular ferry services.
The island closer to Awaji Island is Tomoga Island (友ヶ島), and Wakayama is the distance. The land further away in the northeast direction is Osaka’s townscape.
The Yura Fortress was built between 1889 and 1906 to strengthen the defence function in the Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe regions. In the early 20th century, the importance of the Yura Fortress was second to Tokyo Bay.
Tomoga Island, close to Awaji Island, was where the Kishu Domain (紀州藩) monitored the ships going in and out of Osaka Bay in the Edo period. There are also remains of batteries on Tomoga Island.
Because the park was renovated from a fortress, five batteries remain scattered throughout the park. The oldest battery was set up in 1863. You will also find remains of a brick structure in the forest. The cannon at the highest point of Oishi Park was installed during the Meiji period to sink enemy ships that invaded the Kitan Strait.
Other Attractions in Oishi Park
The road splits following the paved road from the car park and heading north. If you take the smaller road to the right, you will soon arrive at Oishinohana Lighthouse (生石鼻灯台). The 12-meter lighthouse is a guidepost for ships traveling to and from Yura Port (由良港).
The small shrine close to the lighthouse is Awajishima Izushi Shrine (淡路島 出石神社). Despite its size, the shrine is recorded in The Chronicles of Japan (日本書紀). The god enshrined here has been looking after the fishermen’s safety and catch.
Tip: Oishi Park is the 31st spot among Awaji Island’s Top Flower Spots (あわじ花へんろ第31番札所). The stamp stand is at Kibodai Observatory (紀望台), close to the second parking lot.
How to Get to Oishi Park
From Sumoto Bus Center (洲本バスセンター), take a bus bound for Korikawa (来川行き) and get off at Oishiguchi (生石口). Oishi Park is then a 10-minute walk from the bus stop.
- From the park’s car park no. 1, it takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach the Oishi Strait Observation Deck.
- Note that the promenade includes a set of steep stairs.
- From the park’s car park no. 2, it takes around 10 to 15 minutes to get to Oishi Strait Observation Deck.
- The promenade from Oishi Shrine to Oishi Strait Observation Deck is wheelchair-friendly.
Discover the Plum Blossom Spots in Kobe
Kobe City in the same prefecture also has a couple of places where you can see the plum blossoms. As most of them are close to a train station, you can easily stop by one of them as you explore other parts of Kobe. If you like hot spring, the renowned hot spring town in Kobe, Arima Onsen, also has two places for you to appreciate the flowers.
So, refer to our article on the Guide to the Plum Blossom Spots in Kobe and start planning!
Discover the Plum Blossom Spots in Osaka
We are sure Hyōgo Prefecture is one of many destinations you will visit in the Kansai region. Osaka Prefecture, for example, has many plum groves awaiting you to discover, too. If you fly into Osaka, there are a few plum blossom spots close to the Kansai Airport!
So, refer to our article on the Plum Blossom Posts in Osaka to plan your trip!