BOKUSUI WAKAYAMA PARK
Togo, Miyazaki
The small village of Togo, now part of Hyuga-city, is known for three things: the delicious udon, the gorgeous mountain scenery, and as the birthplace of the famous tanka poet, Wakayama Bokusui.
Active in the 1900s, Wakayama wrote poetry inspired by his extensive travels throughout Japan and Korea, which was then under Japanese control. His other great love was shochu, which is rumored to have caused his early death in 1928. By that time, he had published 15 poetry books.
The house where he grew up now forms part of the Wakayama Bokusi Park, situated on a hillside deep in the mountains. The park includes the Bokusui Wakayama Memorial Museum of Literature and a stone monument dedicated to the poet. It’s well equipped for camping, hiking and BBQs, and has a slide and playground for children. There are also cottages available to rent.
In the springtime, the hillside is covered with tsutsuji (azaleas) and the Bokusui Spring Festival is held. The many viewing platforms in the park offer jaw-dropping views of the flowers below and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also enjoy horse rides, music and dance performances, and food stalls selling takoyaki and ginger fried chicken.
The museum in the park hosts an annual poetry festival as well, which features 8,000 works written over 43 years by Wakayama. About 300 people attend every year to enjoy the poems over a glass of sake.
Hours
- Bokusui Wakayama Park: 24-hours
Bokusui Wakayama Memorial Museum of Literature: 9:00~17:00 (regular holiday;Mondays)
Price
- Bokusui Wakayama Park: free
Bokusui Wakayama Memorial Museum of Literature;¥300(-12 years old;¥100)
Hi, I'm Simone! I was born in New York, raised in Johannesburg, South Africa and spent 4 years living in Miyazaki. As a writer and photographer, I enjoyed travelling all over Japan's sunniest prefecture, but my favourite places would have to be Nichinan, the entire Koyu-gun area, and Nishimera. Canoeing down the sacred Takachiho Gorge, walking with wild horses in Cape Toi and setting lanterns alight on the steps of Takanabe's old castle are some of my most memorable experiences. The beauty of Miyazaki, and the warmth and kindness of its people, will always have a special place in my heart.
