Located within Akune City, in the town of Shiotsuru, is Hamajinchō Park. This park has been designated a Natural Momument / Protected Area within Kagoshima Prefecture and extends to the northernmost regions. It is home to the 'Hamajinchō', or Myoporaceae family of plants. Every year, from November to April, visitors can see stunning Hamajinchō flowers in bloom. The small, light purple flowers create a beautiful contrast with their vivid green leaves. Within the park itself is Kagoshima Prefecture's oldest burial mound, 'Torigoe' which was constructed in the 4th century. It was relocated to Hamajinchō Park in order to be preserved alongside the plants. Comprising a curious mixture of ancient graves and flowers from southern climes, a brief excursion to this park will significantly lift the spirits and allow visitors to escape the daily grind.
Located near the Akune Municipal Office, about 100m along National Road 3 and situated in a residential area, is Hamajinchō Park. Found within the northernmost limits of the mainland, this park has been designated a Natural Momument / Protected Area within Kagoshima Prefecture. Hamajinchō, or the 'Hama Daphne', is a kind of evergreen shrub belonging to the Myoporaceae family and grows prolifically among the area's coastal wetlands. The wetlands themselves are comprised of a mix of fresh water and sea water, from both the tropics and subtropics. Here, a large expanse of land has been reclaimed from former reed beds and resembles the shape of a pond. The Daphne flowers can be as big as 1-3cm and are light purple with beautiful specks in the centre. They adorn the evergreen shrubs, usually in groups of 1-3 flowers apiece. In spring, while enjoying the cherry blossoms that surround the park, you can also take in the gorgeous sight of the light purple Hamajinchō flowers.
Hamajinchō Park is a place of both big and small hills. Quite by chance, this park became home to the 'Torigoe' Burial Mound, the oldest burial mound in the prefecture. Constructed after the Kofun Period, it is a place where visitors can see ancient 'Takatsuka' style tombs. In 1988, this burial mound was discovered during the process of land rezoning and moved to its current location for preservation purposes. At the time of its discovery, it was clear that parts of the mound had worn away. However, there were thought to be indicators of a circular-shaped mound (known as an 'empun') spanning about 20-25m in diameter. In addition, there were thought to be indicators of a key-shaped burial mound known as a 'zenpō kōen-fun'.
Such indicators consisted of a vertical stone chamber used for burial purposes, about 4.5m long by 0.7 m wide/deep, made of stacked Andesite slate. Glass spheres were also unearthed from the clay-like floor, upon which a split bamboo/wooden coffin would have stood. According to the experts, this Takatsuka-style burial mound was constructed during the middle of the 4th century (approx.) and it is the oldest such structure in the prefecture. It is also possible to view artefacts (underground stone chambers, burial tombs, etc.) from the 5th and 6th centuries – artefacts that were found in the nearby vicinity. Upon request, it is also possible to embark on a tour of these burials mounds in the hope of unlocking their secrets!
