Heiwadai Park is a spacious urban park located on elevated ground in Shimokitakata-cho, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture. Together with Miyazaki Prefectural Culture Park, it is managed by Park Management Miyazaki. The park is a popular place where visitors can experience both the natural environment and important historical landmarks.
One of its most recognizable features is the Peace Tower, which rises near the center of the park. Formerly known as the Hakkō no Moto-bashira and the Hakkō Ichiu Tower, this monument is closely associated with the history of the park and offers an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of peace.
Much of the land that now forms Heiwadai Park was originally privately owned. In 1940 (Showa 15), the Miyazaki Commemorative Association took the lead in constructing a monument called Hakkō no Moto-bashira as part of a project marking the 2,600th anniversary of the traditional founding of Japan.
The construction project involved a total of 66,500 workers and cost 670,000 yen. The tower was completed on November 25, 1940.
In October 1942 (Showa 17), the Ministry of Communications of the Empire of Japan, the predecessor of today’s Japan Post, issued a regular 4-sen postage stamp featuring the tower as part of a national campaign to promote national prestige. The design showed the Peace Tower together with Mount Fuji.
After World War II, in January 1946 (Showa 21), the General Headquarters of the Allied Occupation (GHQ) ordered the removal of the inscription Hakkō Ichiu and the statue known as Aramitama, which represented the spirit of a warrior. The monument was renamed the Peace Tower.
As Japan recovered from the war, improvements to the surrounding park gradually progressed. On April 2, 1957 (Showa 32), Heiwadai Park was officially designated as an urban park.
Restoration work on the tower subsequently began. The Aramitama statue was restored in 1962 (Showa 37), and the inscription Hakkō Ichiu was restored in 1965 (Showa 40).
The tower also played a role in the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, when it served as the second starting point for the Olympic torch relay. This event brought renewed attention to the monument’s historical significance.
The Peace Tower stands 36.4 meters high. It covers an area of 1,070 square meters and has a volume of 834 cubic meters. Its construction incorporates stone materials from around the world, including 1,789 cut stones.
The design represents a sacred gohei, a wooden staff decorated with folded paper streamers used in Shinto rituals. The inscription Hakkō Ichiu is carved on the front of the tower. It was written by Prince Chichibu, also known as Prince Yasuhito.
At the four corners of the tower are statues representing the four spiritual aspects known as the Four Souls:
Kushimitama represents the mysterious or wondrous spirit.
Aramitama represents the vigorous or powerful spirit.
Nigimitama represents the gentle and harmonious spirit.
Sachimitama represents the spirit associated with good fortune and happiness.
The four statues symbolize different groups of people: fishermen, warriors, merchants and industrial workers, and farmers.
Inside the tower are relief panels depicting scenes from Japanese history and mythology, including the descent of the heavenly grandson to earth, the enthronement of Emperor Jimmu, the pacification of the Central Land of Reed Plains, and the Meiji Restoration. These works reflect the historical and ideological background of the monument.
Haniwa Garden was completed on March 31, 1962. Approximately 400 replicas of haniwa—ancient Japanese clay figures traditionally placed around burial mounds—are scattered throughout the garden.
The garden also includes the Haniwa Museum, where an atelier is operated for local residents. Visitors can see a variety of haniwa figures and learn about the ancient burial culture of Japan.
Another notable exhibit is an Olympic torch stand modeled after a haniwa figure. It was created for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games and remains on display in the garden.
The northern part of the park has a sports area with two baseball fields. Next to it is an athletic playground where visitors can also enjoy an artificial grass-skiing slope.
These facilities are popular with families and sports enthusiasts, making the park a place for both outdoor recreation and historical sightseeing.
A rest house stands on the southern side of the park, next to the First Parking Area. The facility, called Mori no Restaurant Heiwadai, offers views overlooking the city of Miyazaki.
It is a pleasant place to relax after walking around the park. Miyazaki Kotsu buses also depart from this area, making it a convenient point for public transportation.
A gently flowing water channel runs through the park and empties into Koshigasako Pond. The sound of the water adds to the peaceful atmosphere.
A nature trail circles the park, allowing visitors to enjoy its seasonal scenery. Along the route are three observation decks, where visitors can pause and take in the surrounding landscape.
There are three parking areas within the park:
First Parking Area: Located on the southern side of the park.
Second Parking Area: Located on the western side.
Third Parking Area: Located on the northern side, next to the sports grounds.
These parking facilities make the park accessible to visitors arriving by car.
Several burial mounds belonging to the Shimokitakata Kofun Group are located within the park grounds. These archaeological remains add another layer of historical interest to the area, allowing visitors to encounter traces of ancient life alongside the more recent history represented by the Peace Tower.
Heiwadai was once considered as a possible location for broadcasting transmission facilities for NHK Miyazaki and Miyazaki Broadcasting (MRT). However, because of concerns about its elevation above sea level, the plans were changed. The transmission facilities were ultimately established on the summit of Wanitsuka Mountain in Tano-cho instead.
Today, Heiwadai Park combines natural scenery, recreational facilities, archaeological remains, and a historically significant monument. It is a place where visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk while learning about different chapters of Miyazaki’s history.