Kōboku-no-Mori Park is a beautiful organic garden located on elevated ground in the nature-rich town of Onan, Shimane Prefecture. Surrounded by lush greenery, the park is home to approximately 240 varieties of herbs, including fragrant plants such as lavender and rosemary.
As visitors stroll through the gardens, gentle herbal aromas carried on the breeze create a relaxing atmosphere. With flowers, greenery, and changing seasonal scenery all around, the park offers a peaceful place to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty of rural Shimane.
In addition to its herb gardens, Kōboku-no-Mori Park features an area known as the “Rose Promenade,” where around 60 varieties of roses bloom beautifully.
From spring to early summer, visitors can enjoy moss phlox and lavender, while blueberries become a seasonal highlight in summer. In autumn, the surrounding trees take on vibrant colors, creating a completely different atmosphere.
The lavender fields are particularly popular as a photography spot. The soft purple flowers and refreshing fragrance create a soothing setting that invites visitors to pause and enjoy the moment.
The park also has a small stream, ponds, and walking paths through the woods. Along the stream, hydrangeas add seasonal color, while sunlight filtering through the trees creates a peaceful atmosphere. Simply taking a leisurely walk through the grounds can be a wonderfully relaxing experience.
Next to the park, the Craft House offers workshops where visitors can create their own original items, including aromatherapy products and accessories made with herbs.
The facility also sells original blended herbal teas, locally produced sweets, handicrafts, and other goods, making it a convenient place to look for unique souvenirs from Onan.
A restaurant within the park serves dishes featuring fresh local ingredients. Seasonal vegetables are used in steamed dishes and freshly fried tempura, while Iwami Pork, known for its tender texture, is another local specialty worth trying.
From fragrant herbs to fresh vegetables and locally produced meat, the park offers visitors the chance to experience the flavors of Onan while surrounded by nature.
Kōboku-no-Mori Park has plenty to enjoy for visitors of all ages. The spacious grassy area is ideal for playing outdoors or having a picnic, while a children’s area features playground equipment such as slides and seesaws.
During summer, visitors may also have opportunities to participate in blueberry and lavender picking, providing a fun way to interact with the plants and experience the seasonal bounty of the countryside.
For those who want to stay longer, the park also has bungalows and lodges. Spending a night surrounded by nature allows visitors to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at a more leisurely pace.
The park is also home to Iwami Onsen Kiri-no-Yu, an on-site hot spring facility where visitors can enjoy another form of relaxation after exploring the gardens.
The spring is an alkaline simple hot spring with gentle water that is pleasant on the skin and is popularly known as a “beauty-enhancing hot spring.” From the open-air baths, visitors can soak while taking in views of the surrounding mountains as they change with the seasons.
Herbal baths and medicinal herb baths using plants grown in the park are also popular. The fragrances change according to the season, adding an especially distinctive character to the bathing experience.
On clear days, the surrounding scenery creates an open and refreshing atmosphere. Under the right weather conditions, visitors may even be able to see a sea of clouds, creating a memorable experience far removed from everyday life.
Kōboku-no-Mori Park brings together recreation, relaxation, learning, and nature in one destination. Visitors can sit and talk on a bench, carefully observe the many herbs and flowers, enjoy a meal made with local ingredients, or simply wander through the gardens at their own pace.
Because the scenery and plants change throughout the year, every visit can offer something new to discover. The combination of fragrant gardens, forest paths, family-friendly activities, local food, and hot springs makes this a particularly enjoyable destination for travelers seeking a peaceful side of Japan.
Kōboku-no-Mori Park is approximately 10 minutes by car from the Mizuho Interchange on the Hamada Expressway. It can also be reached by bus, making it accessible to visitors traveling without a car.
Surrounded by the rich natural environment of Onan, the park offers an opportunity to step away from the pace of everyday life and enjoy a slower, more refreshing experience. Whether you come for the flowers and herbs, the local cuisine, the hands-on activities, or the hot springs, Kōboku-no-Mori Park provides a relaxing way to discover the natural charm of Shimane.