Nishiyama Park is the best azalea viewing spot on the Sea of Japan coast, with more than 50,000 azalea plants in full bloom. The best time to view the azaleas is usually around early May. The cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves in fall are also magnificent. Nearby is Nishiyama Zoo, popular for its red pandas and other animals.
This park is based on a garden created by Manabe Akikatsu, who was also an important official of the shogunate during the Edo period, to provide a place for the people of his domain to rest and relax.
