Dōgo Park, Urban park in Matsuyama, Japan
Dōgo Park is an elevated urban green space in Matsuyama with around 300 cherry trees, wide open lawns, walking paths, and an observation platform. From this vantage point, visitors can see across the Matsuyama plain and toward the Seto Inland Sea.
The park occupies the site of Yuzuki Castle, built by the Kōno clan in the Kenmu era (1334–1336) after the Isaniwa Shrine was moved from the hill. The castle's outer moat and earthen ramparts remain visible. In 2002 the restored castle site was designated a national historic site, and in 2006 it was chosen as one of Japan's 100 Great Castles.
During spring cherry blossom season from late March through early April, locals and visitors gather under the flowering trees for traditional hanami celebrations. People spread out on the green areas to picnic and spend time together, with the pink blooms becoming the focus of daily activity in this period.
Dōgo Park lies a short walk from the Dōgo Kōen stop on the Iyotetsu Jōnan Line, with the Dōgo Onsen stop and Iyotetsu buses also nearby. The grounds hold the restored warrior residences of Yuzuki Castle and a lookout on the hill where the castle stood. The outer moat and earthen ramparts survive, so paths follow the old defences.
The park's hilltop is the site of Yuzuki Castle, which was chosen in 2006 as one of Japan's 100 Great Castles. The castle's outer moat and earthen ramparts still survive in the park, and the castle ruins were designated a national historic site in 2002.
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