About
In a quiet corner of Inzai City, Chiba Prefecture, there is a small park standing by the shore of Lake Inbanuma. It is a place where the passage of time feels gentle, conveying the breath of deep history to those who visit.
At the center of the park, statues of a parent and child Naumann elephant stand quietly. Their figures convey the memory of the giant creatures that lived in this area about 10,000 years ago. It is said that the statues were erected in honor of the Naumann elephant fossils discovered in 1966 during the excavation work for the Inba Shortcut Waterway. The parent elephant stands powerfully, while the child elephant appears reassured by its side. Before their gaze, the surface of Lake Inbanuma spreads out, shining quietly.
Within the park, there is a gazebo on a small hill, from which you can take in a panoramic view of Lake Inbanuma. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom in profusion; in summer, lush greenery is gentle on the eyes. In autumn, the foliage adds color, and in winter, the clear air refreshes the spirit. The scenery of each season soothes the hearts of visitors.
This park also serves as a rest stop along the Inbanuma Cycling Road, and is a place where people enjoying cycling stop by. Here, they take a break and, while gazing at the lake’s scenery, sense the charm of this place where past and present intersect.
There was also a time when a painting rumored to be the work of the anonymous British artist Banksy was drawn on the wall of the park’s restroom. The picture of a monkey holding a gun evoked a sense of social satire and attracted much attention. However, the truth remains unclear, and the painting has since been erased.
There are various theories about the origin of the park’s name, but as there is also a bridge called Futago Bridge nearby, it is believed to be deeply rooted in the region’s history and place names. Legends and stories from long ago live on in this place, sparking the imagination of those who visit.
When you visit the park, you are enveloped in a mysterious sensation where past and present intersect. In the direction the Naumann elephant statues gaze, the unchanging scenery of Lake Inbanuma stretches out, having endured through the ages. This is a place where history and nature are in harmony, offering peace of mind.