July

Kiso Three Rivers Park in Ichinomiya was an old favorite of mine when I lived in Konan City. I am not sure if the whole complex counts as being part of the park, but there were spots to play sports, and all kinds of things to do there. The 138 Park Tower has some lovely views, and the surrounding flower garden is a great place to walk. The name ‘Ichino-mi-ya’ can be read as the number ‘138’ in Japanese. You might not know this about the Japanese people, but they love that kind of thing, so the number pops up regularly locally. The Ichinomiya Twin Arch 138 is the tallest arch-style tower in Asia at 138m. The tower sports an observation deck at 100 meters with a 360-degree view of the Nobi Plain, including the course of the Kiso River. You can also see the peaks of the Japan Alps, Ise Bay, and if you look carefully, Nagoya Station’s JR Central Towers in the distance. There is what is described as an “elegant buffet,” but I remember it more as a kind of cafeteria, and I enjoyed drinking my coffee in it. Great view; much different than my usual view…