Overview of Shōhōjigawa River Park
The park stretches along the Shōhōjigawa River in Aizumi Town, near the Aizumi Town Cultural Hall and several other public facilities. It serves as an important community gathering place and received the Handmade Hometown Award in fiscal year 1996 in recognition of its contribution to the local environment and community development.
Midori Bridge: The Park’s Landmark
One of the park’s most distinctive features is Midori Bridge, a wooden arch bridge reserved for pedestrians. Known as one of the longest pedestrian-only wooden arch bridges in western Japan, it connects the two banks of the Shōhōjigawa River and offers visitors an enjoyable way to appreciate the surrounding scenery. The bridge is a memorable landmark and a lovely place for a leisurely stroll.
Enjoy the Neighboring Aizumi Town Rose Garden
Adjacent to the park is the Aizumi Town Rose Garden, where approximately 270 varieties of roses bloom in a colorful display. The flowers range from vivid reds and soft pinks to multicolored varieties, creating an especially attractive landscape during the flowering seasons.
The garden holds its Rose Festival in May and October, when visitors can enjoy rose-themed displays, purchase rose seedlings and local specialty products, and take part in workshops on rose cultivation. Admission to the garden is free, making it an appealing stop for families, garden enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates flowers.
Family-Friendly Facilities
The UFO-Shaped Playground
The park’s signature attraction is its UFO-shaped playground equipment, which is particularly popular with children and gives the park its affectionate nickname. The spacious grassy areas are also suitable for picnics, casual sports, and relaxing outdoors. Families can enjoy a break from sightseeing while children have room to play.
Restrooms
Two restroom facilities are available within the park, providing convenient amenities for visitors.
How to Get There
Shōhōjigawa River Park is accessible by car from several nearby transport routes. From Shōzui Station on the JR Naruto Line, the journey takes approximately 10 minutes by car. The park is about 2.7 km from Aizumi Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway. From central Tokushima City, allow approximately 20 minutes by car via Tokushima-Kagawa Prefectural Route 1.
The Shōhōjigawa River: Nature and Local History
The Shōhōjigawa River is a Class A river in the Yoshino River system, flowing through Aizumi Town in Itano District and the Ōjin area of Tokushima City. The river takes its name from Shōhōji Temple in Aizumi and forms an important part of the area’s natural landscape and local history.
Geography and Bridges
The river begins in the area of the former Yoshino River in Aizumi Town, flows through western Ōjin in Tokushima City, and eventually joins the Yoshino River. Its upstream tributaries include the Honmura River and the Naomichi River, both designated as quasi-rivers. Numerous bridges cross the Shōhōjigawa, supporting local transportation and connecting neighboring communities. Midori Bridge, located within the park, is among the best-known crossings.
Other bridges along the river include Taka-no-Hashi, Jintoku Bridge, Chidori Bridge, and Motomura Bridge.
Community River-Cleanup Activities
Local residents are actively involved in protecting the river environment. Once a month, the group known as the Shōhōjigawa River Association organizes cleanup activities with the help of residents and volunteers. These efforts help maintain the river’s cleanliness and preserve its natural appeal for future generations.
Award-Winning Environmental Conservation
The river’s conservation activities have received recognition, including an award from the Director of the Environmental Water Environment Department of Japan’s Ministry of the Environment in 2002 and the Minister of the Environment Award in 2008. These honors highlight the community’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a healthy river environment.
Discover Aizumi Town’s Rose Garden
The neighboring Aizumi Town Rose Garden is one of the area’s seasonal highlights. Its collection of around 270 rose varieties creates a vibrant display of colors and fragrances, attracting visitors during the spring and autumn flowering seasons.
Rose Festival in May and October
The garden’s Rose Festival takes place in May and October, when the roses are at their best. Festival activities may include rose-related exhibits, sales of rose seedlings and local specialties, and workshops introducing visitors to rose-growing techniques. With free admission and plenty to enjoy among the flowers, the event is a pleasant outing for both families and gardening enthusiasts.
Access to the Rose Garden
The rose garden is next to Shōhōjigawa River Park and can be reached by car in approximately 10 minutes from Shōzui Station on the JR Kōtoku Line. It is also about 2.7 km from Aizumi Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway, making it convenient to visit as part of a drive around the Tokushima area.
A Pleasant Stop in Aizumi Town
Shōhōjigawa River Park combines family-friendly recreation, riverside scenery, and community spirit in one relaxing destination. Visitors can explore the park’s unusual UFO-shaped playground, cross the wooden Midori Bridge, or enjoy a picnic on the grass. During May and October, the neighboring rose garden adds another attraction with its colorful blooms and seasonal festival. Together, the park and rose garden offer an enjoyable way to experience the nature and local character of Aizumi Town.