A Park Shaped by a Waterside Revitalization Project
In 1988, the former Ministry of Construction, now the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, designated the Muyagawa River as a model river for community revitalization under the “Hometown River” initiative. The park was developed as part of a broader plan to improve the riverside environments of the Muyagawa and Shinike rivers, creating inviting public spaces where people could enjoy the water and surrounding landscape.
Higashihama No. 2 Park was also developed on the opposite bank, featuring a distinctive plaza extending over the water. The project helped transform the riverfront into a welcoming recreational area for both residents and visitors. In 2000, the park received the Ministry’s Handmade Hometown Award, recognizing its contribution to the local community and the quality of its public-space design.
Discover the Park’s Unique Attractions
Grimm Fairy Tale Promenade
One of the park’s most distinctive features is the Grimm Fairy Tale Promenade, a walking path adorned with three-dimensional stone reliefs depicting scenes from the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales. As you stroll along the promenade, familiar stories emerge from the stone artwork, creating a whimsical atmosphere that appeals to visitors of different ages. The combination of artistic craftsmanship and the peaceful riverside setting makes this a particularly enjoyable spot for a leisurely walk and photographs.
Waterside Stage
The park’s waterside stage provides a setting for events and performances, bringing activity and cultural life to the riverfront. When events are held, the surrounding water and open space create an attractive backdrop for gatherings and entertainment.
Riverside Plaza
The plaza extending over the water offers a different perspective on the river. It is a pleasant place to pause, enjoy the scenery, and experience the relaxed pace of life in Naruto. Together, these facilities make the park more than just a green space, combining recreation, art, and community activities in one accessible location.
The History and Character of the Muyagawa River
The Muyagawa is a first-class river in the Yoshino River system, flowing through the urban area of Naruto City before joining the Konaruto Strait. Influenced by the tides, the river has long played an important role in the area’s geography, commerce, and development.
During the Tokushima domain period, Muyagawa was connected to Muyaminato, a thriving commercial port that served as a link between inland river transport along the Yoshino River and maritime shipping routes. In the Meiji era (1868–1912), a boat route connected Bunmeibashi Bridge in the Muyagawa area with Shinmachi Bridge in Tokushima City, and vessels regularly traveled between the two locations.
Today, much of the river’s surrounding land has been reclaimed and developed for urban neighborhoods, factories, farmland, and recreational facilities. Agriculture remains part of the area’s character, with sweet potatoes commonly grown in summer and daikon radishes in winter along the river’s southern bank.
A Seasonal Highlight: Naruto’s Summer Fireworks
The Muyagawa waterfront is also associated with the Naruto City Summer Fireworks Festival, a major seasonal event in Tokushima Prefecture. During the festival, fireworks illuminate the night sky and their reflections shimmer across the river, creating a memorable summer scene. If your visit coincides with the event, the riverside offers a glimpse of the lively atmosphere that brings the local community together.
Getting to Muyagawa Waterside Park
The park is approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Naruto Station. Parking is available in the surrounding area, making it convenient to visit by car. Its location beside Naruto City Cultural Hall also places it close to a local venue for cultural events and performances.
Whether you are interested in riverside scenery, fairy-tale-inspired artwork, or the history of Naruto’s waterways, Muyagawa Waterside Park offers a relaxing stop during your exploration of eastern Tokushima. Take time to follow the stone reliefs along the promenade, pause beside the water, and enjoy the quieter, everyday charm of this historic riverside city.