Beppunuma Park – With Sakura season just around the corner I’ve been thinking of cherry blossom spots I wanted to visit and/or revisit with the kids. Beppunama Park came to mind as a great park for kids and a renowned cherry blossom and hanami spot. It is ideal for hanami with kids.
We actually already had the pleasure of witnessing the spectacular cherry blossoms there two years ago. Unfortunately, for that particular visit I didn’t get an opportunity to take a photo of the main cherry blossom area as it is on the far-side of the park to the playground. I would like to go back this year to get some photos. Especially as the children always enjoy the playground there.
Beppunuma park is a elongated park on the Fuku River in Kumagaya. Moreover, the park is actually divided by route 276 which runs right through it. It separates the play area from the cherry blossom area. The park is popular with locals all year round. Moreover, it gets a boost in visitors from outside the district during cherry blossom season. Although not ranked particularly high, it is frequently listed as one of the top places to see cherry blossoms in Saitama.
Beppunuma Park Playground
The playground is very popular with children of all ages. As you can see from the above photo gallery they have a very good range and diversity of equipment. Equipment includes various slides, swings, a sandpit, spring rides, and a three people see saw. In addition they have stepping stones, a net bridge and several climbing frames.
There is a wide area below the playground where kids can run around. Furthermore, there is some sheltered benches you can use freely for lunch or a sit down. In addition, the park has toilets in several locations and many different car parks too. There are some water fountains.
Other attractions
The park is also popular with walkers and joggers. Apart from the cherry blossoms there are other flora in the park including a Japanese garden. Furthermore, features such as wooden boardwalks that make it a nice place to take a walk. There are a different water features around the park including the pond opposite the playground. In addition, the jogging course, which winds through the cherry blossoms, is convenient for runners.
On the downside, regrettably this park is beside an incinerator. It is well concealed from most of the park, but in the places you can see it is quite an eyesore. Not to mention an environmental and health concern for frequent users.
Beppunuma Park Details
Address: 1456 Nishibeppu, Kumagaya-shi, Saitama-ken 360-0857
Phone: 0493-39-4806
Official Website: Kumagaya City Official Park Details
Access: Approximately a 30 minute walk from Takasaki Line Kagohara Station. Approximately a 25 minute drive from the Hanazono Interchange of the Kanetsu Expressway. Free parking.
…. it looks a little drab. but then I guess that’s the season! As long as the kids are amused for as long as possible! 🙂
Got to get back this year to get some of the vibrant cherries 🙂