Saigyo Hoshi was a monk and poet who lived during the twelfth century. Legend has it that, weary after a long journey to Matsushima, he arrived at a hill where he took a rest under a great pine tree. It was there where a young boy joined him, challenging him with Buddhist riddles. Ashamed by his inability to answer, Saigyo gave up on his journey and turned back from whence he came. This public park is named after the encounter (literally “the pine tree which made Saigyo return”). The grove where Saigyo once rested is located near Cafe le Roman, and memorialized with a stone marker.

This park offers one of the best panoramic views of Matsushima Bay, especially spectacular at sunrise. In spring, the park’s 260 cherry trees come into bloom, framing the view in frilly pink blossoms.