During my recent trip around Kyushu, while spending a few days in Miyazaki, I discovered Heiwadai Park. I was drawn to this park after reading about the clay figures, but once I arrived I was mesmerized by all of the different things to see and the beautiful park.
Heiwadai Park, which is also known as Miyazaki Peace Park, is a multi-faceted park with a Peace Tower at it’s center. Standing 121 feet, the tower is pretty impressive.
On the day I was there, children were running and playing in the sun while others were relaxing on picnic blankets. The park has a large open space in front of the tower and then also has a Haniwa Garden, a small lake, a shrine, a small organic cafe, and of course, plenty of flowers.
Haniwa Garden
Located north of the tower you will find the Haniwa Garden, which is about 2 acres of garden paths with more than 400 haniwa (terracotta clay figures). These figures are earthenware replicas of burial haniwa originally excavated at the site. The clay figures take the form of samurai, dancers, animals, and other figures. The original haniwa were placed on tombs as a tribute to the deceased over 1,500 years ago.
This garden was one of those places that felt a little magical.
With the light filtering through the leaves, the moss covered hills, and the meandering paths, this garden seemed to be the perfect setting for the haniwa. As you continue to follow the garden path it will lead you to a small lake.
The History of the Tower
The park was constructed in 1939 and the tower was built in 1940 to celebrate the 2,600th anniversary of Japan’s first emperor, Jimmu, and the Imperialist establishment. It was originally named Hakko Itchiu Tower which means “Eight World Regions Under One Roof,” a slogan of the Imperial Japanese Army. It was later renamed as the Peace Tower.
The tower was built with stones collected from Asian countries in what was then the current extent of the Japanese empire.
The Controversy
Apparently, throughout time, there has been quite a bit of controversy surrounding this tower. After the war, the name was changed to the Peace Tower, but many people felt that something originally built as a symbol of Imperialism and might could not represent peace. The original inscription Hakko Itchiu, was removed and then later put back. You can read more about the controversy here.
Information:
Entrance to the park is free.
There is a good amount of parking.
I think this is an interesting park to visit and I would recommend stopping by if you are in Miyazaki.
Happy Travels,
Kari
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