Fukayama English Garden
A Traditional English Garden in Japan
Fukayama English Garden was designed to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Tamano City’s establishment. Created by a garden designer who had worked on numerous castle gardens in the United Kingdom, it recreates the atmosphere of a traditional English garden while blending harmoniously with the surrounding natural landscape.
The garden is organized into six distinct garden rooms, each with its own theme. Approximately 7,000 plants representing around 100 varieties bring color and texture to the grounds, offering something different with each season. Flowering plants, trees, and carefully arranged landscapes create a succession of attractive views throughout the year.
Garden Design and Seasonal Beauty
The garden’s concept is a traditional English garden of the 20th century. Rather than relying solely on formal landscaping, it emphasizes the coexistence of flowers, trees, and natural scenery. Visitors can explore the individual garden rooms, admire the changing seasonal colors, and enjoy a tranquil escape inspired by British garden traditions.
Roadside Station Miyama Park
A Convenient Stop Surrounded by Nature
Roadside Station Miyama Park stands along National Route 30, in an area of Tamano City surrounded by green hills and the scenic Seto Inland Sea region. It combines access to the park’s natural attractions with facilities for dining, shopping, and relaxation, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring southern Okayama.
Spring is especially popular, when approximately 7,000 cherry trees bloom and the Miyama Cherry Blossom Festival takes place. In autumn, visitors can enjoy the changing colors of the foliage. With its seasonal scenery, gardens, and family-friendly recreational facilities, the complex appeals to couples, families, and travelers of different ages.
Fresh Local Produce and Regional Specialties
The roadside station has a direct-sales area where visitors can purchase fresh local vegetables, seafood, and regional specialties. It offers an opportunity to discover the flavors of the area and buy seasonal ingredients to take home.
Cafés and dining facilities are also available, including places serving dishes made with fresh vegetables and local specialties such as grilled conger eel. Taking a break for a meal or a drink is a pleasant way to round out a visit to the park.
Walking and Recreation Areas
Walking Area
The walking area is ideal for visitors who want to enjoy the park’s natural scenery at a relaxed pace. Five ponds are spread throughout the grounds, with walking paths around their shores. Akamatsu Pond is particularly charming, as swans can often be seen swimming across the water.
Cherry blossoms brighten the landscape in spring, while autumn brings colorful foliage. The combination of tranquil ponds, pine trees, and seasonal flowers creates beautiful scenery for nature lovers and photographers. The walking trails are also a wonderful place to appreciate the changing atmosphere of the park throughout the year.
Recreation Area
The recreation area offers activities for families and visitors looking for a little more action. Facilities include putting golf and Wanpaku Plaza, a popular play area for children. Play equipment and spacious grassy areas provide plenty of room for running around, playing catch, or enjoying a family picnic.
A dog run is also available, allowing visitors to bring their dogs along and enjoy time outdoors together. With opportunities for both active recreation and relaxed outdoor leisure, this area makes Miyama Park an appealing destination for a wide range of visitors.
Facilities and Opening Information
Parking and Public Amenities
The complex has parking for approximately 500 standard vehicles, 17 large vehicles, and seven vehicles designated for visitors with disabilities. Public facilities include accessible toilets, public telephones, vending machines, an information counter, a rest room, and a baby bed.
Restaurants, Cafés, and Shops
Gonta Chaya Restaurant: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Miyama Café Shokudo: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Direct-Sales Shop: 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Regional Specialty Shop: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Bakery: 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Regular Closing Days
The agricultural and seafood direct-sales shop, regional specialty shop, bakery, and Miyama Café Shokudo are closed on Tuesdays each week.
The restaurant, Fukayama English Garden, dog run, and putting golf facilities are closed on Wednesdays each week.
Opening hours and closing days may vary, so visitors planning to use a particular facility should check the latest information before traveling.
Access to Miyama Park
By Train and Bus
From Bizen-Tai Station on the JR Uno Line, the park is approximately a 20-minute walk away.
Alternatively, take a Ryobi Bus bound for Tamano City Hall via National Route 30 or a bus bound for Shibukawa via Uno Station. Get off at the Miyama Koen Iriguchi bus stop to reach the park entrance.
By Car
From Mizushima Interchange on the Seto-Chuo Expressway, travel via Okayama Prefectural Route 21, Okayama-Kojima Line, Okayama Prefectural Route 22, Kurashiki-Tamano Line, and National Route 30.
With its cherry blossom groves, tranquil ponds, traditional English garden, and family-friendly recreational facilities, Miyama Park is a rewarding destination in every season. Visitors can combine a peaceful walk through nature with local shopping and dining at the roadside station, making it an excellent place to relax while exploring the Tamano area and the scenic Seto Inland Sea region.