Nara Prefecture's Gojo City 50,000 People Forest Park is a park rich in natural resources, opened in 2007 (Heisei 19), and renowned for the Gojo City Cultural Museum designed by architect Tadao Ando. The city park underwent renovations on July 24, 2024, introducing a café and a direct-sales store. Enjoy stunning views from the observation deck, learn about Gojo’s history and culture, visit a shrine known as a power spot, and indulge in desserts and shopping.
The name "50,000 People Forest" reflects Gojo City’s future population development plan. Spanning 84,000 square meters, the park not only houses the uniquely designed Cultural Museum but also features hiking trails and observation platforms crafted to blend with the natural terrain, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature. The expansive lawn area provides an ideal spot for relaxation.
The "gogo zone," revamped in July 2024, is a new highlight, featuring:
- A café operated by the renowned fruit orchard "Horiuchi Fruit Farm"
- A direct-sales store offering local seasonal produce
- A unique picnic and barbecue area
Adjacent to the gogo zone, a wooden staircase of about 100 steps leads to the observation deck. Though steep, the climb rewards visitors with panoramic views of the Omine Mountain Range. On-site mountain markers help identify the sprawling peaks. Notably, this mountain range is a key part of the UNESCO World Heritage "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range."
Architectural Masterpiece by Tadao Ando: Gojo City Cultural Museum
Nicknamed "Gojo Baum" (ごじょうばうむ), the Cultural Museum, built in 1995, stands out for:
- Its semi-underground cylindrical structure
- A central circular plaza design
- A nickname chosen through public submission
Visiting Tips
Architecture enthusiasts should enter via the third-floor main entrance:
- Climb the winding stone steps to admire Ando’s signature exposed concrete facade
- Explore the permanent exhibitions floor by floor:
- Third floor: Showcasing national treasures from the Tenpyo era
- Second floor: Exploring the origins of Gojo’s culture
- First floor: History of modern Gojo development
Practical Information
⌛ Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
🚫 Closed: Mondays, the day after holidays, year-end/New Year period
🎫 Admission: Adults ¥300, Students ¥200
🚌 Access: Community bus from JR Gojo Station to "Den’en Ichichome" stop
Power Spot: The Mystery of the Hard-to-Read Shrine
Miyazaki Bekireki Shrine (read: miyazaki bekireki)
This ancient shrine dedicated to the thunder god holds multiple identities:
- Listed in the Engishiki Shrine Register
- Guardian deity of Nishikuroda Town
- Sacred site for safe childbirth prayers in the Heian period
Historical Background
Legend has it that during the Nara period, the exiled Princess Inoue prayed for a safe delivery at the foot of Mount Kongo, earning the shrine the title "Ubuyashiro Myojin." The main hall, built in the Kasuga-zukuri style, is surrounded by copper-topped sacred fences, exuding a mystical aura.
Visiting Tips
📍 Location: Along the park’s hiking trail
🚶 Access: About a 10-minute walk from the park’s parking lot
Culinary Experience: gogo Zone’s Unique Dining
gogo Café
Its panoramic glass design lets diners enjoy greenery while savoring meals. Recommended dishes:
- American-style baked pancake "Dutch Baby" (¥990)
- Picnic set (includes hot dog cart + coffee, ¥3,900)
gogo Store Offers:
- Fresh produce from over 50 local farms
- Barbecue set rental service (includes equipment and ingredients, ¥4,000)
Business Information
☕ Café Hours: 9:00–17:00 (closed Wednesdays)
🛒 Store Location: Within the park’s gogo zone
