Tokiwa Park hosts the Ube Biennial, a prestigious international sculpture competition that began in 1961.
The park grounds feature the Tokiwa Lake, which is a reservoir that serves as a central aesthetic and recreational anchor for the city.
The park contains a specialized botanical conservatory that houses rare tropical plants and cactus collections.
Permanent open-air sculptures are scattered throughout the park, creating a living gallery that changes every two years with new competition entries.
The zoo section includes a 'Tokiwa Zoo' initiative that emphasizes naturalistic enclosures designed to mimic animal habitats.
The site includes a designated area for plum blossoms and cherry blossoms, making it a seasonal destination for hanami.
The park covers a total area of approximately 100 hectares.
An iconic Ferris wheel provides a bird's-eye view of the lake and the surrounding industrial and natural landscape of Ube.
Tokiwa Park is a sprawling waterfront destination in Ube defined by the large Tokiwa Lake and its integration of sculpture, botanical gardens, and a zoo. It is renowned for the Ube Biennial, one of the world's oldest outdoor sculpture exhibitions, which populates the grounds with large-scale contemporary art. The site features a botanical garden with a glass conservatory showcasing diverse plant species. Its zoo section maintains a focus on environmental education and species conservation. The park grounds include an amusement area with a Ferris wheel and traditional park infrastructure. Walking trails encircle the lake, connecting the varied activity zones. It functions as a major cultural and recreational hub for the Yamaguchi Prefecture.
The lakeside path with the Ferris wheel and contemporary sculptures in the frame.
Rent a bicycle to navigate the extensive trails around the perimeter of the lake efficiently.
Prioritize visiting during the spring flowering season or the biennial sculpture exhibition period.
Download the park map in advance to navigate the separation between the zoo, botanical garden, and sculpture zones.
Attempting to walk the entire perimeter of the lake without water or proper footwear, as the path is longer than it appears.
The zoo section is typically closed on Tuesdays, except during public holidays.
Maintain silence in animal habitats, stay on marked paths in the botanical area, and do not touch outdoor sculptures unless marked.
