🗺️ Real Person Park

In the 6th year of Taisho (1917), a park was built at the foot of Mount Manju in the Masuda area of Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, to commemorate the ascension of Emperor Taisho. The park, set against the backdrop of the mountain, features ponds and an island, and is home to approximately 2,000 cherry blossom trees, primarily of the Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura varieties. It has been selected as one of the "One Hundred Famous Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan" and is a top destination for cherry blossom viewing in the prefecture, beloved by the public. During the cherry blossom season from mid-April to early May, the "Manju Park Cherry Blossom Festival" is held. During the event, small boats are available for rent by the pond, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossom viewing while floating on petals on the water's surface. After sunset, the park takes on a completely different atmosphere under dim lighting. The festival also features a "Wooden Basin Rowing Competition," where participants sit in wooden basins floating on the pond, trying to maintain their balance while paddling with their hands. Originally a competition among young people from a sake brewery racing in wooden basins, it has now become a well-known event that excites both participants and tourists alike in Masuda.

A park built during the Taisho era. It features around 2,000 cherry blossom trees, primarily of the Somei Yoshino variety, making it one of the top cherry blossom viewing spots in the prefecture. During the cherry blossom season, the "Real Park Cherry Blossom Festival" is held. The "Wooden Boat Racing Championship" held at the pond in the park is also an annual event.