Funaoka Castle Park is one of the more popular spots in Miyagi for viewing the cherry blossoms in spring, located on a small mountain in Shibata. Hundreds of years ago, a castle was erected at the highest point on the mountain, where it stood until the Meiji Restoration (1868). Now, there lies a famous Kannon statue made of concrete that stands 24 meters tall, built in 1975 as a symbol of peace and security. The park is also now known for its slope car that travels up and down the park, particularly scenic in spring surrounded by cherry blossoms. In April, the Shibata Sakura Matsuri cherry blossom festival is held, which over 200,000 visitors attend each year.