How many of you have heard the name of “Showa Kinen Park”?
Showa Memorial Park (昭和記念公園, Shōwa Kinen Kōen) is a park in the city of Tachikawa, 30 minutes from central Tokyo by train. Spanning over 160 hectares, this huge park boasts a variety of natural spaces, seasonal flowers, water features, museums and sports facilities. The park was opened in 1983 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa’s reign.
The park is spacious and lush and has multiple wide lawns where visitors can picnic and relax. There are also woodlands with walking trails, picturesque Japanese and Western style gardens, a large pond and various flower beds that sprawl out over some of the many fields and hills.
Being so close to Tokyo, the park is a convenient escape from the crowded metropolis and is a popular place for cherry blossom viewing. The park’s blooming period takes place a few days later than in central Tokyo, making it a great place to see cherry blossoms for those who missed out on the bloom in the big city. The best place to view cherry blossoms is the park’s Cherry Blossom Garden in the north section of the Open Field.
Showa Memorial Park is also a popular destination for autumn color viewing. The leaves in the park usually change color already around mid November, typically a couple of weeks earlier than the trees in central Tokyo. The park’s premier places for autumn colors are the ginkgo tree-lined canal in the southeast corner and the Japanese Garden with its many maple trees.
Access:
The JR Chuo Line connects central Tokyo (Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station) with Showa Memorial Park. The park has multiple entrances, with the most convenient one located just outside Nishi-Tachikawa Station (40 minutes, 480 yen one way from Shinjuku; only selected trains stop here). Alternatively, the park can be reached in a 20 minute walk from Tachikawa Station (30 minutes, 480 yen from Shinjuku, served by all trains along the Chuo Line).
Hours and Fees:
Hours:
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9:30 to 17:00 (March to October)
9:30 to 18:00 (weekends and holidays between April and September)
9:30 to 16:30 (November to February)
Closed: December 31, January 1 and the 4th Monday of January and the following day
Admission: 450 yen
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AloJapan.com