German Village Park, Traditional park in Ōasa-chō Hinoki, Japan
German Village Park is a landscape park near Naruto in Tokushima Prefecture that features open green areas, stone bridges, and a reconstructed German house from the early 1900s. The site blends Japanese garden design with German architectural elements in an unexpected combination that reflects its historical past.
The park was built on the site of the former Bandō prisoner-of-war camp where German soldiers were detained during World War I. This camp was one of the largest in Japan and the prisoners' time there created lasting connections between the two nations.
The German House and stone-built German Bridge within the park demonstrate the connection between Japanese and German architectural traditions.
The park is easily accessible by car, located about 25 minutes from JR Naruto Station or 5 minutes from Itano IC on the Takamatsu Expressway. The grounds have well-maintained paths and ample parking for visitors arriving by vehicle.
The park features the Bell of Bando and the Eyeglasses Bridge, two monuments that commemorate the German prisoners of war who stayed in the region. These structures were actually designed and built by the prisoners themselves, making them direct expressions of their time and experiences.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
