【Ochimusya Drive Tour 2】The filming location of Fullmetal Alchemist (Harima Central Park)

Have you ever read “Haganenorenkinjutsushi  (English: Fullmetal Alchemist), a Japanese manga (cartoon) ?

This manga is one of the most popular Japanese cartoons among both Japanese and foreign manga lovers.

Fullmetal Alchemist was turned into a movie already and there is a filming location of this movie in Harima Central Park, Hyogo Japan.

Even if you are not a big fan of this manga, you will be impressed by this huge park!

Harima Central Park

If you own a car or rent a car, it will be perfect because Harima central park has such a large parking lot just in front of there. Moreover, not only does this park have the large parking lot, but they also have 5 more large parking lots.

I calculated how many cars can be parked, but 1,047 cars are available in total and needless to say, parking here is free of charge.

Therefore, you can feel free to drop by here.

A Large Rose Garden

Now I introduce one of the most famous sights in the city of Kato, Hyogo, which is actually in Harima central park.

This park is also well-known for a large rose garden in which visitors can see a variety of roses. During the season, a number of people from other cities come here to see them.

There are even tourist agencies offering “Harima central park rose garden tour”. You might see a bunch of elderly tourists hang around here for hours as if they are the “Walking-Dead” zombies.

The Filming Location of Fullmetal Alchemist

Do you remember this scene? This is the scene where these 2 guys walking in Harima central park.

Once you pass the rose garden, you can find the sign “The Filming Location of Fullmetal Alchemist”. 

This place is as popular as the rose park since the long street is surrounded by a number of trees and the atmosphere created by them is just so relaxing and comfortable.

Absolutely, you should take photos and post them on Instagram!

I actually sat on the bench for 1 hour and almost passed out. You can forget about your stressful life in Japan…

Observatory

There are also many many interesting places in the park. If you walk around the whole walking course, it will probably take 2 hours.

I call this “Harima Central Castle”. 

From the top of the castle, you can see this view. 

Amazingly cloudy … Come to think of it, whenever I come to this park, it is always cloudy… Why …?

When you are finishing the walking course, this sign can be seen. In addition, there is an observatory where you can see a whole view of the city (Kato).

The map shows what you can see from there. In my opinion, the observatory should have been a little bit higher as trees hide some views.

However, this scenic landscape can definitely make you have a sense of fulfillment. Then, imagine you have to walk back to the parking lot.

Therefore, don’t forget to bring some food when you come here!