Sometimes, big cities like Tokyo can be extremely chaotic, and so a quick get away from the city’s hustle and bustle would be much appreciated. What if your quick get away is within that same city?
Koganei Park, opened in 1954 and is the second largest park in Tokyo known for its cherry trees. The park can be accessed by a 25-minute walk from JR Higashi Koganei train station. The station is only 20 minutes away from Shinjuku and is served by the Chuo Rapid Line. The park is also 10 minutes away from a very social guest house, the Oakhouse Comfort Higako Sports.
The park covers an area of 799,127m2 and the large varieties of trees and flowers provide a perfect setting for those who want to exercise, picnickers, nature lovers, as well as photographers all year round.
Enjoy long strolls through the different gardens of the park, including a cherry tree garden, a perennial tree garden, a plum tree garden, and fields covered with lilies, eucalyptus and zelkova, magnolias, camellias, tulips and azaleas, and roses, among others.
With 1,700 cherry trees, the cherry tree garden creates an unforgettable sight in the spring. If you happen to be in the city, why not do “hanami” at Koganei Park? During the fall, this park is still a great place to visit to watch the autumn leaves with all their different green, yellow, orange and red colors.
Among its facilities you can find a Japanese archery range, a cycling course, tennis courts & baseball field, a barbeque field, a dog run so that your little friend can also enjoy the nature here, the beautiful Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum and the Koganei City Municipal Sports Complex.
Events take place at Koganei Park throughout the year. Participate in a kite flying competition in January, a plum festival in February, a cherry blossom viewing festival in April, a Children’s Day festival in May and enjoy outdoor Noh performances under the summer moonlight in August.
Koganei Park is suitable for all ages. I couldn’t help but notice both young as well as older people doing all sorts of activities from sports, to visiting the museum or simply sitting on a bench, relaxing and looking at the beauty of nature.
