Tsuruma Park

Nagoya's First Park, Western and Japanese Together

The Tsuruma Park (鶴舞公園, Tsuruma Koen) is a park opened in 1909 across Tsurumai, Showa Ward, and Chiyoda, Naka Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, which in 2009 was registered as a Registered Monument (place of scenic beauty).

The Agency for Cultural Affairs describes Nagoya's first comprehensive park, combining a formal Western garden and a Japanese stroll garden under the influence of Meiji-era Westernisation.

The park's managers say it was the first park established by Nagoya City, on 19 November 1909, and that almost the whole park is registered. Registration is a separate system from designation.

History

According to the Agency, the Tsuruma Park served as the venue of the tenth Kansai prefectural joint exhibition in 1910. It has since grown as the central park of the city while keeping many of its original features and facilities.

Nagoya City notes that the exhibition celebrating the enthronement of Emperor Showa was held in the park in 1928, and that the Kakukakutei teahouse built for it still stands. Made of the finest Kiso cypress, it is a modern Japanese-style building recognised by the city as a local architectural asset.

Why It Matters

The Agency values the park's place in the history of landscape design for preserving so many Meiji-period styles and facilities. Its pairing of Western and Japanese gardens shows what a city park looked like in the age of Westernisation.

The park's managers describe it as a large park blending a French-style formal garden with a Japanese stroll garden, and it is well loved for cherry blossoms, roses and irises.

Visiting the Tsuruma Park

The Tsuruma Park is open as a public city park. Nagoya City gives Tsurumai subway station as the nearest station.

Bookings for the Kakukakutei teahouse go to the greening centre on 052-733-8340. Check the park's website for facilities and events.