The Sakura Festival was established in May 1960 (Shouwa 35) by Norioka Toyomatsu and was taken over by the city in July 1967 (Shouwa 42),
becoming a municipal park. Covering an area of 5,186 square meters, the park is home to numerous cherry blossoms and azalea trees, with the Houryuu-san Muen-ji Temple located on the mountain top. This festival, started by him in 1950 (Shouwa 25), enshrines 3,736 unknown soldiers who perished in the Pacific War, as well as the Muen Buddha from the Arida River flood of 1953 (Shouwa 28) and numerous other Muen Buddhas from across the country. Grand memorial services are held every spring and summer.
From the mountaintop, one can enjoy a splendid view of the Arida River mouth, Ura no Hatsushima Island (Chinojima Island and Okinojima Island), and the mountainous coast of Shikoku across the Kii Channel. It is truly a breathtaking sight. During the cherry blossom season in spring, the park is bustling with numerous flower-viewing visitors. The park is named after Norioka Toyomatsu's wife, and is called Ueno Park.