Japan is Nippon 日本語
Domed white bandstand (Sogakudo) surrounded by flower beds in Tsuruma Park
Photo: Asturio Cantabrio, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Aichi · park

Tsuruma Park

鶴舞公園

Nagoya's first park, opened in 1909, pairs a Western fountain tower with a Japanese garden, and is famed for about 750 cherry trees, roses and irises.

Tulip beds and cherry blossoms with picnickers during the spring flower festival in Tsuruma Park
Photo: Bariston, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Nagoya's first park

Tsuruma Park was the first park created by Nagoya City, opening on 19 November 1909 (Meiji 42). Shaped by the Meiji-era drive to bring in Western culture, it has both a symmetrical French-style Western garden and a Japanese garden designed to be enjoyed by strolling around a pond.

The park's name is read "Tsuruma", but the district and the station are read "Tsurumai". Locals use both readings.

In 2006 it was chosen as one of the 100 Historic Parks of Japan, and in 2009 almost the entire park became a nationally Registered Monument (Place of Scenic Beauty).

The fountain tower and bandstand: the park's axis for over 100 years

The park's central axis, running from the main entrance along an avenue of Himalayan cedars to the fountain tower, the Sogakudo bandstand, Kocho Pond and Ryu Pond, has not changed in more than 100 years.

The fountain tower and the Sogakudo were built for the Kansai Prefectural Union Exhibition, a large exposition held in the park in 1910. The Sogakudo was destroyed by the Muroto Typhoon in 1934 and rebuilt in 1997. The park is also home to Nagoya City Public Hall and Tsurumai Central Library.

Flowers through the seasons

In spring about 750 Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom, and the park is one of the 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan. The cherry grove north of the fountain tower is the most popular place, and the blossoms usually peak from late March to early April.

Roses follow the cherry blossoms, then hanashobu (Japanese irises) in early summer, and a flower festival runs from spring to early June. There is an autumn festival too. You can check the latest flowering information on the official website.

Getting there

The park is right outside Tsurumai Station on the JR Chuo Main Line. From Tsurumai Station on the Tsurumai subway line, Exit 4 is the closest. The park is open 24 hours and entry is free.

The park's Greenery Centre holds exhibitions and classes about plants and gardening. Check its opening days and hours on the official website.

Tips

  • During cherry blossom season the park is lit up at night and packed with hanami crowds.
  • The park is "Tsuruma" and the station is "Tsurumai". Either will be understood if you ask for directions.
  • The flowering information on the official website also covers flowers other than cherry blossoms.

Sources

Updated 30 September 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so check the official site before you go.

Keep exploring

Nearby places

Aichi · landmark Oasis 21 オアシス21 A multi-level park in Nagoya's Sakae district, crowned by the water-covered glass roof called the Spaceship-Aqua. Walk around it 14m up; it is lit at night.
Aichi · museum Nagoya City Science Museum 名古屋市科学館 A science museum in central Nagoya marked by a giant silver sphere, loved for its 35m planetarium dome and hands-on shows like an indoor tornado.
Aichi · shrine Atsuta Jingu 熱田神宮 A Nagoya shrine housing the Kusanagi sword, one of the three sacred treasures, long ranked just below Ise. 1,900 years of history in a city-centre forest.
Aichi · castle Nagoya Castle 名古屋城 Nagoya's symbol, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu and topped with golden shachihoko. The keep is closed for now, but you can tour the superbly restored Honmaru Palace.
Aichi · museum Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology トヨタ産業技術記念館 A museum in the red-brick Nagoya factory where the Toyota Group began. Follow Japanese industry from looms to cars, with real machines shown working.
Aichi · zoo aquarium Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium 名古屋港水族館 A large aquarium on Nagoya Port's Garden Pier with orcas, belugas, dolphins and penguins. The dolphin performances in its huge pool are a favourite.