Higashihamaguchi Park is a peaceful Japanese garden in Hirokawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, where visitors can experience both the area’s history and the beauty of nature. The park was created from part of the former estate of the wealthy Higashihamaguchi family, a prominent merchant family whose history dates back to the Edo period.
The land was donated and developed as a public park, allowing visitors to enjoy a historic landscape that was once part of the family’s extensive residence. It also serves as a reminder of the Higashihamaguchi family’s contribution to the development and recovery of Hiromura, the area now known as Hirokawa Town.
The Higashihamaguchi family traces its history to Hamaguchi Kichiuemon, the founder of the family. During the Edo period, the family operated a successful soy sauce wholesaling business known as Hiroya in Nihonbashi, Edo—present-day Tokyo.
Although the family prospered through commerce, it continued to maintain strong ties with its hometown of Hiromura. Members of the family made important contributions to the local community and supported its development over generations.
The family’s connection with disaster prevention became especially significant following the devastating tsunami of 1854. Higashihamaguchi family members worked together with Hamaguchi Goryo, the figure later made famous by the story of “The Fire of Rice Sheaves,” to support the recovery of Hiromura.
Among the major projects undertaken after the disaster was the construction of the Hiromura Seawall. The seawall was designed to protect the community from future tsunamis while also helping local residents rebuild their lives.
Today, the history of the Higashihamaguchi family and the Hiromura Seawall provides an important example of how the people of Hirokawa have passed down their experience of natural disasters and their commitment to protecting future generations.
The area that is now Higashihamaguchi Park was once part of the extensive Higashihamaguchi family estate. The original property included the main residence, formal reception rooms, three-story rooms, storehouses, and gardens.
The garden featured carefully arranged rocks, ponds, trees, and other elements characteristic of traditional Japanese landscape design. Part of this historic property was later developed as a public park, allowing everyone to enjoy its tranquil atmosphere.
One of the most attractive features of Higashihamaguchi Park is its variety of seasonal plants. The garden includes weeping willows, cherry trees, crape myrtles, autumn foliage, and camellias, creating a landscape that changes throughout the year.
In spring, visitors can enjoy the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms. Summer brings lush green foliage and a refreshing atmosphere, while autumn transforms the garden with brilliant shades of red and yellow. Camellias and other plants add their own seasonal character during the cooler months.
This changing scenery is one of the pleasures of visiting a Japanese garden. Even if you return at a different time of year, the landscape can offer a completely different impression.
Higashihamaguchi Park is more than simply a place to enjoy flowers and greenery. The garden is closely connected with the history of the Higashihamaguchi family and the development of Hirokawa Town.
Walking through the grounds offers visitors an opportunity to imagine the historic estate that once stood here and to reflect on the people who lived and worked in this community. The peaceful surroundings provide a gentle contrast to the difficult history of earthquakes, tsunamis, and reconstruction associated with the area.
For a deeper understanding of the area’s history, Higashihamaguchi Park can be visited together with the nearby Former Higashihamaguchi Family Residence, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
The historic residence preserves buildings dating from the Edo and Meiji periods, while the park provides an opportunity to appreciate the surrounding landscape. Visiting both locations makes it easier to understand the scale of the former estate and the lifestyle of the prosperous merchant family who once lived here.
Higashihamaguchi Park brings together nature, architecture, and local history in one peaceful setting. Its traditional garden landscape offers a relaxing place to take a break during a sightseeing trip, while its connection with the Higashihamaguchi family provides a glimpse into the history of Hirokawa.
For travelers interested in Japanese gardens, traditional architecture, merchant culture, or the history of disaster prevention, the park offers a quiet and meaningful experience. Take a leisurely walk among the trees and seasonal flowers, then explore the neighboring historic residence and other sites connected with the history of the town.
When visiting Hirokawa, be sure to spend some time at Higashihamaguchi Park and enjoy a moment of peace and tranquility surrounded by the history and natural beauty of Wakayama.