Once upon a time, this park even doubled as a Zoo!

Tsuruma Park has over 100 years of a rich history. Starting by its foundation as the first municipal park of the newly created city of Nagoya, subsequently it had a Zoological Park inaugurated in 1918. It was a merry place where the voices of excited children could always be heard. In 1937, the Zoo functions were transferred to the Higashiyama Zoological Park.

Times pass but it keeps on being a beloved park

Following the Meiji era trend of disseminating European styles within the Japanese culture, the park ultimately ended up mixing in an amenable manner both the Western and Japanese styles in the gardens, structures and overall layout. From the Front Gate, majestically lined up Himalayan Cedars welcome visitors leading them to the gorgeous fountain and equally impressive bandstand. Then the great scenery of always well-kept grassy fields, planters, trees and ponds fill the sight giving a beautiful and soothing scenery. Meiji, Taisho, Showa and now Heisei. Throughout all those periods, Tsuruma Park have continuously been a beloved place sought by the Nagoyans for both rest and fun.

In 2006 the park was appointed one of the 100 Japanese Historic Scenic Parks, and in 2009 the country turned it a Registered Commemorative Asset, making it the center of attention for its historic value.

In mid-July of 2016, upon the public release of an eagerly anticipated free game application for smart phones by a globally popular Japanese Anime and game franchise, in which players have to actually walk around the town to capture virtual pets, Tsuruma Park gained overnight popularity because the shape of its fountain, as seen from above, resembles the ball used in the game for the "capture" of the roaming virtual creatures. In a sudden and unexpected turn of events, the park is now being called in some circles as the game's "Holy Place"!