Naritasan Park
Naritasan Park is a beautiful 165,000m2 park in the grounds of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, spreading from the Great Peace Pagoda that is the symbol of the temple. Originally designed in 1928, this park includes a waterfall (with an enshrined Fudo Myoo called “Otaki Fudoson” above), three ponds, a plum tree grove, and ample green open spaces that express the Buddhist respect for the sanctity of life and all living things. The European garden features a grand fountain and a floating gazebo is an accent in the middle of Ryuichi pond. The park includes the Calligraphy Museum, haiku monuments to famous poets such as Matsuo Basho (1644–1694) and Takahama Kyoshi (1874–1959), and the tea room Sekishoan. Off to the side of the museum is a Japanese garden feature called a suikinkutsu, literally a water harp cave. Put your ear to a bamboo pole placed in the ground and listen to the melodic sounds made by water falling into this musical device. Seasonal festivals like the Narita Plum Tree Festival in spring and Naritasan Autumnal Leaves Festival are very popular seasonal events. The peaceful Naritasan Park is a popular area of rest and contemplation for visitors to Naritasan Shinshoji Temple.