The park was designed by Japanese landscape architects, ensuring the inclusion of traditional elements like a pond meant to represent the shape of Japan.
It is built to commemorate the 1997 sister-city agreement between Pamplona and Yamaguchi, Japan.
The garden contains a specific area known as the 'Azumaya,' a traditional Japanese pavilion constructed from wood.
The park's water features, including the central pond and waterfall, are designed to create a specific acoustic environment mimicking natural landscapes.
The cherry trees planted in the garden are specifically oriented to offer distinct color changes during the spring blossom period.
The park functions as a living monument to 400 years of historical, cultural, and religious ties between Navarre and Japan, dating back to Saint Francis Xavier.
Parque Yamaguchi is a Japanese-style garden in Pamplona designed by landscape architects from Yamaguchi Prefecture to celebrate the sister-city relationship between the two locations. Opened in 1997, the park features authentic elements including a geyser, a waterfall, a bridge, and a pond. The flora includes varieties native to Japan such as Japanese maples, cherry trees, and ginkgo biloba. It spans approximately 80,000 square meters, making it one of the largest parks in the city. The garden is divided into distinct zones that follow the traditional principles of Japanese aesthetic design. It sits adjacent to the Planetario de Pamplona, sharing a landscaped municipal area. The design incorporates stone lanterns and gravel paths meant to evoke the seasons and the cycle of life.
The red wooden bridge overlooking the pond with the waterfall in the background.
Visit during the spring, specifically when the cherry blossoms are in bloom for the most visual impact.
Combine your walk with a visit to the adjacent Planetarium to maximize your time in this specific district.
Walk the perimeter path to see the different vegetation zones, which are labeled with botanical information.
Do not walk on the moss-covered areas or non-designated garden beds, as the park is maintained to reflect a specific, delicate Japanese aesthetic.
