Ichinomiya Park is an urban park in Samukawa Town, Koza District, Kanagawa Prefecture. It combines the area’s railway heritage with a pleasant green environment. The park was developed on the site of a former branch line of the Sagami Railway, and its historical background and abundant greenery have earned it a place among the “50 Selected Parks of Kanagawa.”
Ichinomiya Park was created using the abandoned trackbed of the former Japanese National Railways Samukawa Branch Line, commonly known as the Nishi-Samukawa Branch Line. When the line was operated by Sagami Railway, it was known as the Shinomiya Branch Line.
The railway was used to transport gravel from the Sagami River, carry military supplies, and provide commuter services for workers traveling to the local industrial estate. The line was discontinued in 1984, and the former railway land was subsequently transformed into Ichinomiya Park.
Part of Ichinomiya Park first opened in June 1984. Because the Samukawa Junior Chamber of Commerce had established an area called Maruta no Hiroba, or Log Plaza, the park was initially also known by that name.
Development continued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Samukawa Town’s establishment as a municipality. In 1987, Ichinomiya Greenway was completed along the former railway route. The entire park officially opened in 1990.
In March 1994, Ichinomiya Park was selected as one of the “50 Selected Parks of Kanagawa,” recognizing its historical and cultural value as well as its attractive green surroundings.
The Shinomiya Branch Line of Sagami Railway was established in 1923 as a railway for transporting gravel. During World War II, it was used to carry military supplies for the Sagami Naval Arsenal. After the war, it served as a commuter route for workers traveling to the industrial estate.
The line was discontinued on March 31, 1984. Part of the former railway site opened as Ichinomiya Park in June of the same year.
February 5, 1923: Higashigawara Station, a freight station on the Shinomiya Branch Line of Sagami Railway, was established.
April 20, 1940: Passenger services began between Samukawa Station and Showa Sangyo Station.
October 1954: Passenger services on the Japanese National Railways Samukawa Branch Line officially ended.
October 8, 1983: Log Plaza was established.
June 23, 1984: Part of Ichinomiya Park opened for public use.
March 29, 1987: Ichinomiya Greenway opened.
November 2, 1990: The entire Ichinomiya Park officially opened.
March 1994: The park was selected as one of the “50 Selected Parks of Kanagawa.”
Ichinomiya Park is made up of the main park area and Ichinomiya Greenway, which follows the route of the former railway line. The greenway begins at Gate Plaza and continues for approximately 900 meters to its endpoint, Hakkaku Plaza.
The path is paved with bricks, making it pleasant for walking. In autumn, the katsura trees along the route turn beautiful shades of color, creating an attractive seasonal landscape.
Railway wheels that were once used on the line have also been preserved along the greenway and are now used as barriers to prevent vehicles from entering. These railway remnants make the route especially interesting for railway enthusiasts.
Some sections of the former railway rails have been preserved within Ichinomiya Park. Among them are rails bearing markings using the Japanese Imperial Year system.
These rails were manufactured at the former Yawata Steel Works, which is now registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are rare examples of domestically manufactured rails dating from the wartime period through the years immediately after World War II.
The park also preserves an especially old rail manufactured in 1909, during the Meiji period. These surviving railway materials are valuable historical evidence of Japan’s industrial and railway development.
The park has a spacious lawn area where visitors can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Play equipment is installed for children, making it a pleasant destination for families.
In spring, cherry trees bloom across the park, adding seasonal color to the open green space and creating a popular setting for enjoying the blossoms.
Hakkaku Plaza is located at the end of Ichinomiya Greenway. Its name comes from the Happo-yoke faith of Samukawa Shrine, which is famous for protecting worshippers against misfortune from all eight directions.
The plaza contains memorial monuments commemorating Nishi-Samukawa Station and the Sagami Naval Arsenal. As this was once the terminal point of the former railway line, the monuments help visitors appreciate the site’s connection with local railway and military history.
Ichinomiya Park can be reached on foot from Samukawa Station on the JR Sagami Line. The nearest bus stop is Hakkaku Hiroba, served by Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu buses.
For visitors arriving by car, the nearest expressway interchange is Samukawa-Minami IC on the Ken-O Expressway.
Several historical sites are located around Ichinomiya Park. Samukawa Shrine, known as the Ichinomiya of the former Sagami Province, is one of the area’s most important religious landmarks.
The Kanagawa Waterworks Museum, known for its connection with Japan’s first wide-area water supply system operated by a prefectural government, is another nearby destination. Visiting these places together with Ichinomiya Park offers a deeper understanding of Samukawa Town’s history, culture, and natural environment.