The city of Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, has unveiled three proposed nicknames for “Hachimanyama Park” (5-1-1 Hanada, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture), located in the city center, in conjunction with the development of a new area within the park, and has begun accepting votes through a survey.
The three proposed nicknames are: “Hachiman Terrace,” which evokes the image of an open, relaxing space blending with the greenery; “Hachimanyama Light Forest,” inspired by the keywords “illumination” and “City of Thunder”; and “Hachimanyama Forest Commons,” which signifies a forest shared and nurtured by everyone. Anyone can vote using the voting boards located at the “Utsunomiya Tower” and the “Traffic Park Go-Kart Track” within the park, or via the online submission form. Voting will be accepted until August 31.
The park is currently undergoing renovations in preparation for its reopening in March 2027, ahead of its 100th anniversary. In addition to the Utsunomiya Tower, which offers a panoramic view of the city, “Adventure U”—featuring a large play structure and a traffic park with go-karts—and animal enclosures housing red-crowned cranes and rabbits, the park is also known as a famous flower-viewing spot, with approximately 800 cherry trees and 700 azalea bushes planted throughout the grounds.
This renovation utilizes the Public-Private Partnership (Park-PFI) system, and the Nakamura Construction Group, which was selected through a public bidding process, is responsible for the development. In addition to the opening of the café-restaurant “ISLAND STONE COFFEE ROASTERS -HACHIMAN-” in the new area, a dog run for small and medium-sized dogs will be installed near the café, and the venue will offer a service allowing patrons to enjoy meals with their dogs on the deck terrace surrounding the café.
In addition, Nomura Kogei—which has a proven track record at locations such as “Moomin Valley Park” in Hanno City, Saitama Prefecture—will produce the spatial design for a nature experience facility. The facility will feature tree houses, a mushroom tower, and a pinecone house, serving as a hub for learning and play during the day and transforming into a fantastical, illuminated space at night.
In addition, on the azalea-covered slope leading from the area with café-restaurants and nature experience facilities to Utsunomiya Tower, new sloped garden paths have been constructed to ensure safe access for strollers and wheelchairs, with the aim of improving accessibility throughout the park.
© Source travel watch