Shimonuma Park

Its light up events is its saving grace

I had heard so much about Shimonuma Park from Higashimatsuyama locals that I was expecting a lot when I first visited. I thought I was in the wrong place when I arrived, because what was in front of me was the smallest, most boring park ever! Except for stepping stones, there's nothing for kids even. However, over the years I've revisited at night when they have light up events, and I finally get why the locals like it! But honestly, even with the stunning sakura lit up at night, I'm not sure it is a place worth going out of your way to visit.