Junsai Pond Park

The pond that this park is named after has existed between the Konodai and Kokubun plateaus for centuries.  It used to be called Kokubun Pond, but was renamed Junsai Pond after the great number of junsai (brasenia) growing in it.

 

In the past, neighboring farmers would harvest the junsai and sell them, but at the beginning of the Showa Era the pond dried up several times and the junsai became extinct.  After the war, the pond was converted into rice fields, but after local residents protested to restore the junsai pond, the area was arranged into the current pond and green lands.

 

The area around the pond is replete with lush forestry, and trails have been cleared for visitors.  The area is enjoyable in every season: there are scents of ume (Japanese plums) in spring, azaleas in summer, and orange osmanthus in autumn.  Additionally autumn is a great time to enjoy the maple leaves changing colors, and in winter ducks gather at the pond.  The teahouse in the park (Toryuan) is available for tea parties and other occasions.  (For details and reservations contact the Green Zone Division.)