Playing in the Water at Noike Park! A Spring Garden Overflowing with Refreshing Negative Ions

Taketa City in Oita Prefecture is known as the “City of Water,” a place where pure springs bubble up from every corner. While driving through Taketa with Elmo, we stopped at Noike Park, the place I’ll be introducing today.

Located a bit away from the famous tourist zones, this park allows you to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the sound of quiet water and lush greenery. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a walk with your dog while taking in the beauty of water so clear you can’t help but want to capture it on camera!

A Mystical Space Woven from History and Millennial Cedars

The moment you stand at the entrance, you are struck by two things: the silence and the giant trees. Noike Park is a historic spring garden said to have been established in 1330 during the Kamakura period. Several massive cedar trees, some estimated to be a thousand years old, tower over the grounds. The air feels crisp and dignified, much like the atmosphere of an ancient temple or shrine.

Looking up, the sunlight filters through the cedar needles, creating a truly divine scene. I found myself stopping in my tracks just to stare up for a while. The scent of the forest—a mix of damp earth and fresh greenery—seemed to instantly wash away my daily fatigue.

The ground is well-maintained and easy for dogs to walk on. Given the area’s long history, walking with Elmo made me imagine people from centuries past cooling off in this very same spot.

Like a Mirror! The Breathtaking Beauty of Crystal-Clear Spring Water

The undisputed star of this park is the water. The “Noi” pond, from which the park takes its name, is constantly fed by a gushing spring, and the transparency is simply incredible! You can clearly see the stones and moss at the bottom; the water is so limpid it almost looks like it’s not there at all.

Elmo was clearly curious about the pristine water. Once he found a shallow spot, he happily splashed in, getting his paws wet. He seemed delighted by the chilly water. I’m sad I couldn’t catch it on camera, but the contrast between the spray of clear water and the joy on Elmo’s face is a memory I’ll cherish.

Strolling along the waterside path with only the sound of the flowing stream in your ears feels like your heart is being purified. The power of Taketa’s famous springs is truly something to behold.

A Moment of Rest: Relaxing with My Dog

The park is well-equipped with benches for resting. Since the park is mostly shaded by trees, having a place to sit back and relax is a huge help. I sat Elmo down beside me, and we spent some time just zoning out while sipping on some water I brought along.

You won’t find flashy playground equipment or shops here, but there is something wonderful about simply listening to the water, touching the cold stream, and being healed by nature while playing with your dog.

I imagine this place stays quite cool even in the peak of summer, making it a perfect retreat from the heat. However, because it is such a beautiful and pristine location, it’s more important than ever to be mindful of manners—keeping your dog on a lead, cleaning up after them, and making sure to take your trash home.

A Hidden Gem in Taketa for a Total Body and Mind Detox

Noike Park in Taketa City, Oita, is a place where you can experience the power of millennial cedars and spring water so clear it draws you in. It was the perfect spot to enjoy the “luxury of doing nothing” with Elmo.

Visiting famous tourist landmarks is fun, but sometimes it’s nice to just listen to the sound of the water and your dog’s footsteps in a quiet place like this. If you’re planning a drive through Kyushu with your pet, definitely add this to your itinerary.