Hello!
This time we will introduce Uriwari Sekitei Park, located in Takahata, Yamagata Prefecture.
This park was created by renovating the former stone quarry, and is a mysterious space where nature and history blend together. The huge, vertical stone walls are definitely worth a visit.

In this article, we will provide detailed information about the park’s highlights, how to access it, and recommended spots in the surrounding area, based on our own experience of visiting the park.

Where is Uriwari Rock Garden Park? How do I get there?

The most convenient way to access Uriwari Rock Garden Park is by car.
The nearest interchange is Nanyo Takahata IC on the Tohoku Chuo Expressway, which is about a 10-minute drive from there.
The journey continues along a gentle road with a rural landscape.

It’s about a 15-minute drive from JR Takahata Station. If you’re coming by train, we recommend renting a car or taking a taxi from the station.
There is a free parking lot near the park entrance that can accommodate 5 to 10 standard cars. However, please note that large vehicles and tourist buses are not allowed inside.

Please note that road conditions may worsen in winter due to snow accumulation, so please consider the season when visiting.

Basic information about Uriwari Rock Garden Park

A quarry is a place where stone is mined.

A quarry is a place where stone materials such as granite are mined, and is also known as a quarry.
There are quarries all over Japan, but many of them are now closed and some are open to the public as tourist destinations.

Also, as the collected parts weather, they can take on mysterious shapes, and in some cases they have become popular photo spots, such as Uriwari Rock Garden Park.

Uriwari Rock Garden Park has many attractions

Uriwari Rock Garden Park is filled with various attractions created by nature. Here we will introduce two of its main attractions.

A landscape reminiscent of ancient ruins

Uriwari Stone Garden Park was created on the site of a former Takabatake stone quarry.
The stone walls stand in a row, nearly 30 meters high, creating an impressive landscape that resembles the ancient ruins you see in movies and games.

The stone walls still clearly show traces of having been dug out by hand, giving a sense of the weight of history and the high level of craftsmanship.

During your visit, volunteers may tell you about the history and highlights of the quarry.
We also recommend taking a stroll through the town of Takahata and experiencing its history.

A natural space you can enjoy for free

Uriwari Rock Garden Park is a hidden gem that is not well known as a tourist destination.

The quarry is surrounded by mountains, making it the perfect place for those who want to take a quiet stroll in nature and those who love photography.
On sunny days, the contrast between the stone walls and the blue sky is particularly stunning, making it a great photo spot.

Another attractive feature is that you can experience the great outdoors without paying an entrance fee like you would at an urban nature park.

Highlights of Uriwari Rock Garden Park

The beauty of Uriwari Rock Garden can be seen just from looking at the photos, but actually visiting the park allows you to experience even more of its charm.
Here, I will introduce the highlights along with my impressions.

A mysterious space where sound reverberates

The space surrounded by stone walls has excellent acoustics, and footsteps and voices echo mysteriously.
It was a valuable experience to experience the surreal sensation of my own existence emerging from the silence.

In the past, music events and concerts have been held here, and the mystical space where sound reverberates creates an atmosphere that is truly otherworldly.

Time to slowly connect with nature

On the day I visited, there were very few other people there, so I was able to enjoy the quiet time.
The walking course itself is short, but you can spend a luxurious time facing nature while carefully feeling each step.

You can also go through the tunnel carved out of the huge rock at the very back and see the spectacular view beyond, which is so fantastical it will make you gasp in surprise.

Recommended spots nearby

From here, we will introduce nearby spots that can be accessed by car from Uriwari Rock Garden Park.

Former Takahata Station

Along with Uriwari Rock Garden Park, you should also visit the Former Takahata Station Building.
This building is made of Takahata stone, which is also used in the park’s stone walls, and has an impressive, dignified appearance.

The former Takahata Station building is now registered as a national tangible cultural property and is a valuable structure that conveys the history of the region. Takahata stone is a tuff that is easy to process and resistant to wind and rain, and these characteristics were utilized in the construction of the station building.
The charming exterior is worth a look.

Takahata Roadside Station

This direct sales store is stocked with locally grown vegetables, fruits, and specialty products, making it the perfect place to stop by while sightseeing.
It is located near tourist spots such as Uriwari Rock Garden Park and Akutsu Hachiman Shrine, so you can use it as a place to take a break.

We also recommend buying seasonal agricultural products as souvenirs.
In addition to local sweets and souvenirs, the store also stocks wine and other alcoholic beverages, making it a great place for leisurely shopping.

Akutsu Hachiman Shrine

This is a historic shrine located close to the park.
There is also a three-story pagoda in the temple grounds, adding a touch of color to the mountain scenery.

It is also a spot where you can experience the beauty of nature, and you can see different sides depending on the time of year you visit, such as cherry blossoms and rape blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in autumn.
You can enjoy a leisurely stroll in a quiet and calm atmosphere.

summary

Uriwari Rock Garden Park is a fantastical space where nature and man-made objects coexist in harmony, making use of the remains of a former quarry.
The overwhelming stone walls, the mystical echoes of sounds, and the time spent in silence will all make for a special experience that will help you forget about everyday life.
The area is also dotted with other spots where you can enjoy the local charm, including the old Takahata Station building, which is made from the same Takahata stone, making it a tourist destination that can be enjoyed throughout the area.
If you are visiting Takahata Town, Yamagata Prefecture, be sure to visit Uriwari Rock Garden Park and the surrounding areas.