Hiraike Park is a nature park located in Higashikose, Kato City, Hyogo Prefecture. Developed around Hiraike, a traditional irrigation pond, the park offers a peaceful setting where visitors can enjoy aquatic plants, outdoor recreation, and seasonal scenery. It is an inviting destination for nature lovers and families looking for a relaxing place to spend time outdoors.
Covering approximately 66,213 square meters, Hiraike Park features an extensive collection of around 20,000 aquatic plants. Among its highlights are the famous ancient lotus known as Oga Hasu, other varieties of lotus, water lilies, and Japanese irises. Specially arranged viewing areas allow visitors to appreciate these plants and observe their seasonal changes in a tranquil natural environment.
Fishing is permitted in the pond for a fee, and the waters are known for crucian carp and common carp. Families can also make use of facilities including a children’s center, a library room, and an outdoor playground. Jogging paths in the surrounding area make the park a popular place for exercise as well as relaxation.
The main flowering season runs from May through September. Oga Hasu is usually at its best from late June to early July, while the Maihime lotus can be enjoyed into early August. The park has no fixed entry-time restrictions, and admission is free.
Oga Hasu is a variety of lotus named after Dr. Ichiro Oga, a botanist and leading authority on lotus plants. In 1951, Dr. Oga discovered ancient lotus seeds, and the following year he succeeded in growing them into flowering plants. The lotus became known by his name and is valued for its connection to the distant past.
Kato City received seeds descended from these plants from the Tottori Prefectural Agricultural Experiment Station and cultivates them at Hiraike Park, allowing visitors to admire this remarkable lotus variety.
Oga Hasu flowers have a distinctive daily cycle: they open in the early morning and close again in the afternoon. The blossoms are a deep pink when they first open, gradually becoming paler as they age. Each flower lasts only around three days, with its petals falling after approximately three to four days.
The Hiraike Park Summer Festival is held around mid-July, when the Oga Hasu lotus flowers are in full bloom. The event attracts many visitors and creates a lively summer atmosphere, with approximately 50 food and game stalls lining the festival grounds in a typical year.
Stage performances include presentations and musical performances by elementary school students, along with traditional and contemporary dances by local groups. The festivities also feature a fireworks display of around 150 launched fireworks, providing a colorful finish to the summer celebration.
Visitors can travel to the area by train and bus. From JR Sannomiya Station in Kobe, take a Shinki Bus service bound for the Nishiwaki Bus Office. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to Nanbo, where the park is nearby. Local bus services from JR Shachō Station may also be used; check current routes and schedules before traveling.
From the Takino-Shako Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway, take National Route 175 toward Ono. The drive takes approximately 10 minutes and covers about 4 kilometers. Parking is available at the park.
With its expansive pond, seasonal lotus displays, and family-friendly facilities, Hiraike Park is an appealing destination for anyone wishing to enjoy the natural beauty of Hyogo Prefecture. Visiting during the early morning lotus season offers a particularly memorable experience, while the summer festival adds a lively cultural dimension to the park.