Tsukioka Park sits on a hillside in the Horinouchi area of Uonuma in Niigata, and the grounds span over 23 hectares. It's a fantastic spot for families to visit as there are plenty of play areas for children (including a giant roller slide!) and barbecue facilities if you really want to make a day out of your visit. You'll also find six artificial grass tennis courts, a soccer field, and plenty of additional open space to simply let loose and run around or set up a picnic.

The park area is already flanked by mountains and surrounded by natural beauty, but the seasonal flower displays at the park really up the ante on that. If you're planning a visit, I recommend trying to get it to coincide with when the lilies are in bloom. The pops of color create an amazing atmosphere, and even though they do draw in some additional visitors, the park never feels crowded. It's just one of the many joys of visiting destinations in the countryside! If you visit during the week - even when the lilies are in bloom - you often have the place almost solely to yourself.

During the summer months, the park also has a camping area which you can apply to use. Contact details can be found on the official snow country tourism website.

Getting there

Tsukioka Park is located approximately five minutes by taxi or a twenty minute walk from Echigo Horinouchi Station, served by the JR Joetsu local line. Alternatively, head to the JR Koide Station (also on the JR Joetsu local line) and from there take the city bus until you reach the Horinouchi Koukoumae stop. The park is around a 5 minute walk from there.

For those arriving by private vehicle, take the Horinouchi Interchange from the Kan-etsu Expressway. The park is approximately a ten minute drive from the expressway exit, and on-site parking is free and plentiful.

By Kim B