Overview
Umami Kyūryō Park is a prefectural urban park laid out across the Umami Hills, stretching from the town of Kōryō to the town of Kawai in Kitakatsuragi District, Nara Prefecture. Opened in April 1991, its spacious grounds make the most of gentle hills, groves, and ponds, offering an easy setting for strolling and picnics. Seasonal flower beds and open lawns dot the park, making it a everyday retreat for locals and a place where visitors can enjoy the nature and history of the Nara Basin together.
Highlights
- ●Ancient tombs of the Umami Kofun Group set within the grounds, letting you feel the history of old Yamato as you stroll
- ●Flower beds and fields that change with the seasons, giving the park a fresh face throughout the year
- ●Wide lawns and groves ideal for picnics and unhurried relaxation
- ●An open, undulating layout that makes the most of the western Nara Basin's hill terrain
History
The Umami Hills where the park lies have long been known for the many burial mounds of the Umami Kofun Group scattered across the area. The prefecture developed the site to preserve the hills' natural environment and historic heritage while making them accessible, opening the park in April 1991. Because parts of the ancient tombs are incorporated within the grounds, this green park lets the history of ancient Yamato quietly live on beneath visitors' feet.
Access
The park sits in the western Nara Basin, spanning the towns of Kōryō and Kawai in Kitakatsuragi District. The surroundings are a calm mix of residential areas and farmland. Bus connections from the nearest station, parking availability, and opening hours may vary by season and events, so please check official information before your visit.
Best season
The chief appeal is the different flowers on show each season: cherry blossoms and tulips in spring, irises in early summer, and dahlias and cosmos in autumn all reward a visit timed to their peak. The cool shade of early summer and the coloring leaves of autumn also suit a leisurely walk. Check official sources for current bloom conditions.
Map
34.5609, 135.7380 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Start at the park's central plaza or visitor hub and check the map and highlights
- 2Tour the seasonal flower beds and fields to enjoy whatever is in bloom
- 3Walk the areas where ancient tombs are woven into the park and take in the old hill terrain
- 4Rest on the lawns or in the groves and finish by savoring the nature of the Nara Basin
Did you know?
💡 Rather than saying the park contains a burial mound, it is closer to say that a whole hill of ancient tombs has become a park, and walking among the greenery with the Umami Kofun Group so near is an experience unique to this place.
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