Kokaigawa Fureai Koen Park is a long, narrow park that lies along the Kokaigawa River in Shimotsuma City, Ibaraki Prefecture. The park was originally created to be a place of relaxation and refreshment for local residents, and it is comprised of seven different areas: the Flower Zone, Nature Observation Zone, Barbecue Area, Children's Square, Sports Zone, Park Golf Area, and Nature Center. Each zone aims to promote the interaction between people and nature, and there is a multitude of different activities for the whole family to enjoy.
The Flower Zone is home to vast flower beds, planted and weeded by volunteers. The garden is full of poppies and cosmos, which bloom in spring and autumn, respectively, making it a wonderful place to take a leisurely stroll and feel the breeze. The Nature Observation Zone is also a great place for a walk, outfitted with an 800-meter-long trail. Here, visitors can see a variety of animals and plants up close, including the Japanese emperor butterfly. Visitors are asked to stay on the trail, however, in order to protect the butterfly eggs.
The shaded Barbecue Area, Children’s Square with a number of kinds of playground equipment, softball, and soccer fields in the Sports Zone, and the four different courses of the Park Golf Area assure a fun day of outdoor activities for anyone, regardless of age.
Arguably the biggest draw of the park, however, is the Nature Center. Located in the core zone of the park, it is a unique building shaped like a Japanese emperor butterfly. The face of the butterfly is an observation deck, from which not only the whole park, but also Mt. Tsukubasan, Mt. Fuji, and the Nikko Mountains can be seen. Inside is a mini aquarium, a range of displays of art, culture, and insects, as well as shops selling ramen, shaved ice, and sweets. Admission is free, so make sure to stop by.