Ube City: The Culture of an Industrial City Known as a City of Sculpture

Ube City in Yamaguchi Prefecture is a city of sculpture, dotted with distinctive works in parks and on street corners, that pioneered bringing outdoor sculpture into the townscape ahead of the rest of the nation. It is a leader in unique town-building, an industrial city that once flourished on coal and chemicals and transformed into a cultural city full of greenery and art. Set out on a trip to enjoy a cultural experience unique to Ube, touring art works while strolling through its vast parks.

Highlights

Although Ube is an industrial city that developed greatly through the coal and chemical industries in modern times, it is known as a city of sculpture that pioneered installing outdoor sculpture in public spaces nationwide. The outdoor sculpture exhibition that began in 1961 is famous nationwide as a gateway for contemporary sculptors and has built up a long history as an international outdoor-sculpture competition (in recent years the interval between events has been reviewed to move toward a more sustainable format). Prize-winning works are held by the city and permanently installed throughout the city, enriching its collection.

Symbolizing Ube's sculpture culture is Tokiwa Park. Embracing a lake within its vast grounds, the park is dotted with many distinctive outdoor sculptures, including past prize-winners of the exhibition. Viewing art works while strolling through the greenery-filled park is truly like an open-air museum. Beyond sculpture, there are a botanical garden, an amusement area, and an area with animals, making it a relaxing spot for Ube residents where families can enjoy a full day.

Seasonal Enjoyment

Strolling among the outdoor sculptures is especially recommended in the comfortable seasons of spring and autumn. Tokiwa Park is also known for seasonal flowers, so you can enjoy sculpture and blossoms together, with cherry blossoms in spring and irises in early summer. Ube, which once experienced pollution, advanced town-building that increased greenery and placed sculpture around the city through community effort, a path highly regarded as an advanced example of an industrial city balancing culture and environment. Meeting art amid the greenery of the seasons is the real thrill of exploring Ube.

Access and Basic Information

Location: Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Access: The JR Ube Line and San-yo Main Line are available, about 30 minutes from Shin-Yamaguchi Station by local train. Yamaguchi-Ube Airport is within the city, making access from various regions convenient. At Tokiwa Park, much of the grounds is free to enter, but some facilities such as the botanical hall and amusement area charge fees. Check official information for opening hours and fees.

Practical Travel Notes

Tokiwa Park has vast grounds with sights spread out, including sculptures, a botanical hall, an amusement area, and an area with animals, so easy-to-walk shoes are recommended for exploring on foot. Getting a park map lets you tour efficiently while grasping the layout of the sculptures. With Yamaguchi-Ube Airport in the city, Ube is convenient as a starting point for air travel. Planning a driving tour that combines it with western Yamaguchi sights such as Akiyoshidai and Akiyoshido makes good use of a day. Since you spend a long time walking outdoors, preparing sun or cold protection for the season adds comfort.

A Word of Advice

Ube's appeal lies in the everyday feeling that you meet art simply by walking the town, with no need to brace yourself. At Tokiwa Park, strolling leisurely while viewing the sculptures set by the lakeside is recommended. Learning about Ube's town-building history behind the works makes each sculpture feel all the more rewarding.

📚 Sources

This article draws on published information from Ube City and its tourism-related sources, along with guidance on the outdoor sculptures scattered across the city and the theme of a city of sculpture. Explanatory panels in parks and street corners were also consulted. Opening hours of facilities may change, so please confirm official information before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about half a day to stroll among the park and street-corner sculptures.
• Preparation: Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing suit the outdoor walk.
• Getting around: Following the sculptures dotted through parks and corners evokes an open-air museum.
• Combine with: Many green parks make it easy to pair sculpture viewing with a nature stroll.
• Note: The sights spread widely across the city, so plan your transport to be safe.

Practical Information for Your Visit

The following is information on Tokiwa Park (Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture), the hub of the sculpture trail.

• Admission (Tokiwa Park): Free of charge
• Closed (Tokiwa Park): None
• Opening hours (Tokiwa Zoo): 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last entry 4:00 p.m.)
• Closed (Tokiwa Zoo): Every Tuesday (the following day when Tuesday is a public holiday)
• Admission (Tokiwa Zoo): 500 yen for general visitors / 200 yen for those aged 3 to junior high school age / 250 yen for those aged 70 and over
• Opening hours (Tokiwa Museum): 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The "Botanical Garden: A Journey Around the World" is open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last entry 4:00 p.m.)
• Closed (Tokiwa Museum): Every Tuesday (except public holidays)
• Admission (Tokiwa Museum): Free of charge. The "Botanical Garden: A Journey Around the World" costs 300 yen for those aged 18 and over / 200 yen for those aged 70 and over / free for those under 18
• Parking: Paid. For an ordinary car it is free up to 15 minutes, 200 yen up to 2 hours, 300 yen up to 3 hours, 400 yen up to 4 hours and 500 yen up to 24 hours (motorcycles are free of charge)

* Most of the attractions and rides at Tokiwa Amusement Park require a separate "ride ticket".

(Sources: Tokiwa Park (Ube City) official website / UBE Contemporary Japanese Sculpture Exhibition official website)