Tongsuibushi Park, a place of rest and relaxation in memory of King Shoen, a hero of Izena Island
Village Designated Historic Site
Tongsui Kaimiji (Birthplace of Tongsui Bushi Kaimiji Bushi)
Tsusuibushi" is a representative song of Izena Island. Since this song is associated with Shoen, a park was established at the birthplace of the song to commemorate the 600th anniversary of Shoen's birth. The lyrics of the song are inscribed on a monument in the park as follows
"I have been to the mountain of water, and I don't know it.
A horse to ride, a saddle, the Lord, and three men."
The main meaning of the phrase is "If you cross the mountain of Tongsui alone, there is no one who knows you. The only three people who know you are the horse you are riding, your saddle, and yourself, your master. (Quoted from: Shoenkinmaru and the Treasures of the Island: Historic Sites and Cultural Properties in Izena Village)
In the Izena period, Shoen lived in Moromi on the east side of the island and had a lover who lived in Seriaku near the west coast. At that time, to get to Seorikaku from Moromi, he had to pass through a difficult area covered with dense trees. As he rode his horse back home alone, Shoen looked back on the road ahead on his horse, feeling a sense of regret at parting with the love of his life. Mutsutoshi Naga's statue depicts this scene, and it seems to convey the sadness in the heart of the young man who would later become the King of Japan.
Basic Information
| Spot Name | Tongsuibushi Park (Kaimi Jibushi Park) |
| Location | Nakada, Izena Village, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa 905-0603, Japan |
| Access | 5 minutes drive from Nakada Port |
| Charge | free |
| parking lot | Parking spaces available in the park (free of charge) |
| Phone number | 0980-45-2001（Izena Village Office Planning Policy Division) |
| equipment | Statues, public restrooms available |
| thing to note | Statue of King Sho En's Horseman" by Mututoshi Naga, monument to the Tongsuibushi song |
| Map | View in Google Maps |
Q&A
What is Tongsukibetsu Park like?
This is the birthplace of "Tongsuibushi," Ryukyuan classical music. It is a memorial park built for the 600th anniversary of King Shoen's birth, and has a bronze statue of the young Kanemaru riding a horse and a monument to the Tsongsuibushi song.
Is there parking available for those visiting by car?
Yes, free parking spaces are available in the park, making it convenient to visit by car.
How long does it take to get to the park?
It takes about 15 minutes to 30 hours to visit the sights. Visitors can also enjoy walking around the area and taking photos.
Are there restrooms and eating facilities?
Restrooms are available in the park, so you can stop by for a break from sightseeing.
Is there a particular time of day you recommend visiting?
It is recommended to enjoy the statues and natural scenery in the soft evening light.
