Can you see the Standard Time Meridian with your eyes? At “Kasugadai Park” in Seishin New Town

Kasugadai Park” is located in a quiet residential area in Nishi Ward, Kobe City, and was left as a mountain because ruins were found when “Seishin New Town” was built. Also, since the standard time meridian line runs through the area, a line has been drawn so that people can see the meridian line with their eyes…. What do you mean the meridian line is drawn?” I was so curious that I went to the park with my child.

When I arrived at the park, I was surprised to see how spacious it was! As soon as you enter the entrance, you will see a lawn area in front of you. My child, who loves to play with his paddle board, was happy to roll around on the grass and run around. I also saw some parents and children practicing their bicycles on the lawn.

Unfortunately, the cherry blossoms were in leaf on the day I went to interview them, but I heard that you can enjoy nature in all seasons, such as cherry blossom viewing in spring and autumn foliage viewing in fall. In the current season, the lush fresh greenery is very pleasant.

As I walked through the large lawn area, I found a large sundial monument. And beyond that…what is this? What is this? I found a meridian line! A straight line was drawn across the lawn from the large sundial monument set up to look out over the lawn. The line is longer, thicker, and more impressive than I had imagined. I followed the line to the base of a tree growing at the edge of the lawn.

In front of the sundial monument, there was an explanatory note. According to the explanation, this sundial was designed because the meridian line passes through Kasugadai Park. The meridian line starts from the South Pole, passes through Australia, New Guinea Island, Awaji Island, Akashi City, and then reaches the North Pole from Miki City and Nishiwaki City to the Soviet Union. It is very grand and romantic.

I found an unusual two-seater spring playground equipment! Is it shaped like a sea lion?

On the other side of the park entrance, there are swings, a playground complex, and a sandbox. The playground complex has two types of slides. They are just the right size for children around kindergarten age to slide on. My child also slid down the slides many times.

Before visiting the park, I looked at an aerial photo of Kasugadai Park and found that a mountain occupied a large part of the park site. I had no idea that ruins were sleeping in this mountain…. Even I, who am not familiar with history, could not help but feel a sense of romance. The excavated ruins are said to be a highland settlement of the late middle Yayoi period, with a ridge castle and pit houses found on the slopes.

There are many shady trees and pavilions in the park, so you can take a rest in the shade even on hot days. In the current season, you can enjoy a picnic with a packed lunch. Whether it is a chance to learn about time, meridians, or history with your children, or just to enjoy a walk in the woods, Kasugadai Park is a place where you can have fun in many different ways.

Detailed Information

Location

Kasugadai Park
(9-21 Kasugadai, Nishi-ku, Kobe City)
Google Map

• Kodotto KOBE official site for supporting child-raising https://kodomotto-kobe.jp/facility/park/park0126.html