Izumi Shikibu, a distinguished poet active in the mid Heian Period, was born at Fukusen Temple in Kishima-gun, Saga prefecture. She was taken into the care of a married couple, Mr. and Mrs. Daikokumaru, from Shiota and lived there until she was nine. It is said she entered the Imperial court of Kyoto after this, where she led a checkered life due to her superior abilities and beauty. Even today, there are still many places and legends in Shiota town of Ureshino city which carry on the legend of Izumi Shikibu and the place name "Gochoda" derives from the fact that the emperor, so impressed by one of Shikibu's poems which talked about returning to her home town, that he sent Mr. and Mrs. Daikokumaru enough rice for five "cho" (the unit of measurement at the time). Izumi Shikibu Park is situated on land shrouded in such romantic legends.
● Access:
From train station: Get on Yutoku Bus bound for Takeo Onsen at Hizen-Kashima Station on the JR Nagasaki Main Line, get off at “Gochoda” stop, and walk for 10 minutes
Car: 20-minute drive from Nagasaki Expressway Takeo-Kitagata IC
● Parking Lot: Accommodates 30 cars (free of charge)
● Contact: Division of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Ureshino City Government, Tel: +81- 954-66-9121
