Peace and Quiet at Oiso Joyama Park

Looking for an economical retreat from the daily hustle and bustle of the city? Look no further than Oiso Joyama Park. Free and open to the public, this park boasts of a few Japanese-style gardens, complete with a tea room and an amazing viewpoint that overlooks Sagami Bay. The easy stroll to the top of the park is certainly not worth the view; on a clear day one is greeted with unobstructed views of Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay. Particularly for those staying in the area (such as at the famous Oiso Prince Hotel), this park is an easy stop and well worth the minimal effort.

For those seeking a rest, there are more than a few picnic benches and areas to sip some tea (or a beer, as I noticed) and have an afternoon snack. There are three convenience stores (conveniently) close to the park where one can easily buy the fixings for a picnic. The park itself is located on a larger trail that also leads to Shonandaira, another amazing viewpoint further up. However, for the casual day use, Oiso Joyama Park is a great place to relax, read a book, or just escape from the city. There are many small trails that lead off of the main one for those who like exploring or want to seek out some solitude, and the park itself is small enough that getting lost is essentially impossible.

In the fall, Oiso Joyama Park hosts a Momiji Light-Up Festival, which starts during the day with cultural presentations (including taiko and the shamise), and ends in the evening after dark. Once the sun sets, the momiji leaves are lit up to give maximum effect to their fire-like qualities. Holding a hot yam and watching the koi fish swim in the reflection of the momiji is an experience worth braving the cold. In the spring, the cherry blossoms can also be viewed at the park.