Numata Park is a large public park located in Nishikurauchi, Numata City, Gunma Prefecture. The park was developed on the former site of Numata Castle, a famous stronghold during Japan’s Warring States period.
Remains of the former castle, including stone walls and other historic features, can still be found throughout the park. Combined with beautiful seasonal flowers and expansive views, these historic elements make Numata Park a popular destination for both local residents and visitors.
In recognition of its historical and scenic value, Numata Park has been selected as one of the 100 Historic Parks of Japan. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through the former castle grounds while imagining the events of Japan’s Warring States period.
Numata Park stands on a river terrace bordered by the Usune River to the north and the Tone River to the west. Numata Castle was built on this elevated plateau, making use of steep cliffs as a natural defensive barrier.
The castle was a typical cliff-top castle, taking advantage of the surrounding terrain to make attacks difficult. The present park occupies areas corresponding to the former main bailey, second bailey, and third bailey, allowing visitors to get a sense of the original castle layout.
After the Meiji Restoration, the castle was dismantled and the site fell into disrepair. Kume Taminosuke, the son of a former Numata domain retainer, was concerned about the loss of this historic site. He purchased the land with his own funds and developed it as a park.
In 1926, he donated the property to the former Numata Town, leading to its development as what is now Numata Park. Today, it is one of the city’s most important historic and recreational spaces.
The history of Numata Castle is believed to have begun around 1532, when the powerful local Numata clan constructed the original stronghold.
Because Numata was located along an important transportation route connecting the Kanto region with Echigo, the castle became a strategically important stronghold during the Warring States period. Powerful clans including the Uesugi, Takeda, and Hojo fought for control of the area.
Numata Castle was later captured by Sanada Masayuki, a retainer of the Takeda clan, and came under Sanada control. His eldest son, Sanada Nobuyuki, later became lord of the castle and significantly expanded its defenses.
The second and third baileys were improved, while moats and earthen ramparts were constructed. The castle is also traditionally said to have had a five-story castle tower, which would have been an impressive structure for the region at the time.
During the Edo period, the castle was governed by several feudal clans, including the Sanada, Honda, Kuroda, and Toki families, and served as the political center of the Numata Domain.
Following the Meiji Restoration, the castle was dismantled under the government’s policy of abolishing feudal castles. The former castle grounds eventually became the park that visitors see today.
One of the greatest attractions of Numata Park is its beautiful seasonal flowers. The park is particularly famous as a cherry blossom viewing destination, with more than 200 cherry trees planted throughout the grounds.
The best-known tree is Goten-zakura, a large old cherry tree spreading its branches above the stone walls. It is believed to be an approximately 400-year-old Edo-higan cherry tree.
In spring, its delicate blossoms create a beautiful contrast with the historic castle ruins and stone walls. The combination of the ancient tree and castle remains is one of the most memorable sights in the park.
Every April, the Numata Park Cherry Blossom Festival is held, attracting many visitors for hanami, the traditional Japanese custom of enjoying cherry blossoms.
At night, the cherry trees are illuminated, creating an atmospheric nighttime cherry blossom display that is especially popular with visitors.
Cherry blossoms are not the only flowers that bring color to Numata Park. Different plants bloom throughout the year, creating a changing landscape with every season.
From spring through early summer, approximately 3,500 azalea plants bloom in shades of red, white, and pink. Tulips and globe amaranth are also planted in the park, while ominaeshi, one of the traditional Seven Flowers of Autumn, adds seasonal color later in the year.
These flowers make the park an enjoyable place not only for sightseeing but also for leisurely walks and photography. Each season offers a different view of the historic grounds.
Several sections of stone walls remain within the park, providing a tangible connection to Numata Castle’s past.
The stone walls near the West Turret Platform are believed to date from the period when the Sanada clan controlled the castle. Having survived for more than 400 years, they offer visitors a rare opportunity to see physical remains of the former fortress.
The contrast between the weathered stone walls and the Goten-zakura cherry tree beautifully illustrates how history and nature have become intertwined at Numata Park.
A reconstructed bell tower stands within the park as a reminder of Numata Castle’s history. The bell displayed in the tower is based on the original castle bell commissioned in 1634 by Sanada Nobuyoshi, lord of the Numata Domain.
The original bell was once located in the castle’s third bailey and was used to announce the time to people living in the castle town.
Although the bell in the park is a replica, the original castle bell survives and has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Gunma Prefecture. It is preserved and displayed at the Numata City History Museum.
Another important attraction within the park is the Former Ubukata Residence, which has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
The building was the residence of the Ubukata family, who operated as official suppliers of medicinal materials to the Numata Domain during the Edo period. It is a traditional machiya merchant house believed to have been built around the end of the 17th century.
The residence was relocated from the city center to Numata Park in 1973. Today, it provides an important glimpse into traditional architecture and everyday life during the Edo period.
A nearby museum also displays historical materials, including ukiyo-e prints, calligraphy, and paintings.
Because Numata Park stands on an elevated river terrace, it also offers impressive views of the surrounding landscape. One particularly scenic viewpoint is the site of the former Suteguruwa, an outer defensive enclosure on the northwestern side of the park.
From here, visitors can look across the broad landscapes of the Tone-Numata region and see mountain ranges including Mt. Tanigawa and Mt. Hotaka.
The view also allows visitors to imagine the landscape once observed by the castle lords during the Warring States period. Historic sites such as Nagurumi Castle can also be seen from the area, adding another dimension for those interested in Japanese castle history.
The park is home to the Numata City Tourist Information Center, where visitors can obtain information about local attractions and purchase Sanada-related goods and souvenirs.
Guided tours are also available, providing an opportunity to learn more about Numata Castle and the history of the park while walking through the former castle grounds.
With its combination of historic remains, seasonal flowers, and scenic views, Numata Park is an excellent place for a relaxing walk and sightseeing. Cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas in early summer, and autumn flowers each provide a different experience throughout the year.
Approximately 8 minutes from the Numata Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway, about 3.7 km.
From JR Numata Station, take a bus for approximately 3 minutes and get off at Terrace Numata / City Hall-mae. The park is about a 10-minute walk from the bus stop.
Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Numata Station.
Numata Park brings together the remains of a historic Japanese castle with beautiful natural scenery. Its stone walls, reconstructed bell tower, historic buildings, seasonal flowers, and panoramic views allow visitors to experience different aspects of Numata’s past and present in one location.
Whether exploring the history of the Warring States period, enjoying the cherry blossoms, photographing the seasonal flowers, or simply taking a peaceful walk, Numata Park offers a memorable introduction to the history and landscapes of Numata City.