Izumi Greenway is a lush pedestrian route running almost from north to south through the center of Oizumi Town in Ora District, Gunma Prefecture. The main greenway extends for approximately 2.8 kilometers, providing a relaxing place to walk while enjoying nature throughout the changing seasons.
The greenway stretches from Shironouchi Park in the north to Izumi Comprehensive Park in the south. Including connecting walking routes, visitors can enjoy a walking course of approximately 4 kilometers extending toward the Tone River.
The beautiful combination of tree-lined paths, greenery, water features, and outdoor sculptures has earned Izumi Greenway recognition as one of the 100 Best Roads in Japan and one of the 500 Most Beautiful Walking Routes in Japan.
Although Izumi Greenway is located in the center of Oizumi, it provides a peaceful environment surrounded by abundant greenery.
More than 100 species of trees are planted along the greenway, with approximately 40,000 trees in total. The scenery changes beautifully throughout the year, from fresh green leaves in spring and cool leafy shade in summer to colorful autumn foliage and clear winter landscapes.
In many sections, pedestrian paths and dedicated bicycle paths are separated, creating a safe and comfortable environment. Visitors can enjoy the greenway in many ways, including walking, jogging, and cycling.
Izumi Greenway offers more than natural scenery. Along the route, carefully designed water features and works of art add an artistic dimension to the landscape.
In particular, the area around Nishi-Koizumi Station features fountains and waterways that create a refreshing atmosphere.
Numerous sculptures are also installed at various points along the route, allowing visitors to enjoy art as they walk. Many of these works were created by well-known sculptors, creating an appealing contrast between contemporary art and the surrounding greenery.
With flowers, trees, waterways, and sculptures arranged throughout the route, Izumi Greenway has the atmosphere of an open-air art museum.
The history of Izumi Greenway can be traced back to the period before World War II, when the area played an important role in military-related transportation.
During the early Showa period, the Nakajima Aircraft Company operated a factory in the area. The present-day Hanamizuki-dori was developed as a road for transporting aircraft manufactured at the factory.
At around the same time, the Tobu Sengoku-Kashi Line, a freight railway, was built to transport goods produced in Ota and Oizumi toward the Tokyo metropolitan area. The railway connected Nishi-Koizumi Station with Sengoku-Kashi along the Tone River and served as an important transportation route.
As times changed, the Sengoku-Kashi Line was discontinued in 1976. In order to make effective use of the former railway land, development of a greenway began in 1978.
The route was initially developed from Nishi-Koizumi Station toward the area around Oizumi Comprehensive Gymnasium. It was later extended toward the Tone River, gradually taking shape as the Izumi Greenway enjoyed today.
Izumi Greenway has received recognition for its attractive scenery and well-maintained pedestrian environment.
In 1987, the section extending south from Nishi-Koizumi Station was selected as one of the 100 Best Roads in Japan, an honor recognizing outstanding roads and streetscapes throughout the country.
In 1988, the greenway received the Handmade Hometown Award in the category for pleasant and comfortable pedestrian paths.
In 1994, it was selected as one of the New 100 Best Street Tree Landscapes in Japan, recognizing the beauty of its tree-lined streets.
In 2004, Izumi Greenway was also selected as one of the 500 Most Beautiful Walking Routes in Japan, further establishing its reputation as an attractive walking destination.
Izumi Greenway is not only a place for walking. It is also used as a venue for community events throughout the year, organized by the Oizumi Town Tourism Association and other local groups.
One of the most popular events is the monthly gourmet festival known as Iki-na Sekai no Gourmet Yokocho. A wide variety of international foods are served, including Brazilian cuisine, allowing visitors to experience Oizumi’s diverse food culture.
Oizumi is known for its large foreign-resident community, particularly its Brazilian community. At these events, visitors can enjoy authentic international cuisine while experiencing the multicultural character of the town.
Izumi Greenway is also popular among walking enthusiasts. The Izumi Greenway Flower and Art Walking Route has been selected as a Cultural Route in the Shin-Nihon Walking Road Heritage 100 series.
The approximately 9-kilometer course begins at Nishi-Koizumi Station and passes through Shironouchi Park and Izumi Greenway before reaching Izumi Comprehensive Park. From there, walkers return to Nishi-Koizumi Station.
Along the route, visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers, beautiful trees, and numerous sculptures. The combination of nature and art makes this a particularly enjoyable route for those who appreciate leisurely walking.
Shironouchi Park, located at the northern end of Izumi Greenway, was developed on the former site of Koizumi Castle, a castle from Japan’s Warring States period. In spring, approximately 300 cherry trees bloom throughout the park, attracting many visitors for cherry-blossom viewing.
At the southern end, Izumi Comprehensive Park features sports facilities, open spaces, and recreational amenities. The park also displays a bronze sculpture by internationally renowned Japanese sculptor Churyo Sato, providing another opportunity to encounter art along the route.
Connecting these two parks, Izumi Greenway serves as an important recreational space closely integrated into the everyday lives of local residents.
The area around Nishi-Koizumi Station, a convenient starting point for exploring the greenway, is known for its strong Brazilian cultural presence.
Numerous restaurants and shops offer Brazilian cuisine and South American ingredients, creating an international atmosphere where visitors can experience a taste of another country without leaving Japan.
After walking along Izumi Greenway, visitors can enjoy an authentic Brazilian meal or explore the local shops around the station for an even deeper experience of Oizumi’s multicultural character.
Izumi Greenway is a distinctive walking route where nature, art, history, and international culture come together.
Visitors can stroll among seasonal flowers and trees, discover outdoor sculptures, and learn about the history and diverse culture of Oizumi along the way.
Its peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal place for a leisurely walk, while its historical background and multicultural surroundings offer plenty to discover. As one of Oizumi’s signature attractions, Izumi Greenway provides a memorable way to experience the town through flowers, greenery, art, history, and cultural diversity.