Gappo Park is one of the few parks in Japan that are located in urban areas. It was initially planned by Mizuhara Eisaku in 1882, and the Mizuhara Brothers donated their own assets to create the park, which was completed in 2009 and donated to the city. In summer, the beach is open and crowded with bathers. In spring, it is famous for its cherry blossoms, which have been selected as one of Japan’s 100 best city parks.
The park is also known for its many pine trees and stone monuments, including an umbrella-shaped black pine tree named “Sanhono no Matsu” that is said to be over 460 years old, and monuments to poets such as Matsuo Basho and Ishikawa Takuboku. The park also has a playground, tennis courts, a jogging course, an Azumaya, a tea house, and animals such as monkeys, peacocks, and chickens. It is truly a place for citizens to enjoy the sea, plants, and animals.