Near my place there is a park name ‘Showakinen Koen’ (昭和記念公園) or State park. This is a government built park in remembrance of the emperor during the Showa era. This park is built after 50th year of his majesty reign. This park is around 445 rai in size or about 40 times of Tokyo Dome.
There 8 entrances to this Showa park but today I will recommend 2 entry which is easiest if you are coming from Shijuku.
1. Nishitajikawa gate (If you are coming from Shinjuku station get off at Tajikawa then ride the Ome line to Nishi Tajikawa) This gate is closer to the center of the park
2. Tajikawa Gate (Get off at Tajikawa station then walk about 10-15 minutes. You can get on Juo line, orange color, from Shinjuku) This gate is a little further but it provides perfect opportunity to take the view while enjoying a light work out.
Map Overview
After a little walk you will find ticket selling station. (kindergarten is free of charge)
| Type | Kid (Primary-Middle School) | Adult (15-65 years old) | Elders (Above 65 years old) |
| Normal | 80 JPY | 410 JPY | 210 JPY |
| Group | 50 JPY | 290 JPY | 210 JPY |
After you enter Tajikawa gate you will find a water fountain and long walk ways full of trees on the side. (Momiji which turns yellow during Autumn along the side about a kilometer far). During Winter the will be illumination shows and fire work which this is the main area.
Water fountain(Winter)
After the walk way there will be a medium size pool and there are boats and pedal boats for people looking for activities.
Rest area beside a restaurant and ice cream shop
700 yen for 1 hour for boat (3people), and 700 yen for half an hour for pedal boat
Near the boats are garbage bins
There are lockers for your belonging before you go on the boat ride
Young children can only go on pedal boat with at least 1 adult
Calm and relax atmosphere
There are lots of fish which will come near the boat
Next to the pond there is a pool (rainbow bridge) which is open only during summer and a station for a ride around the park. (ride fee is not included in the entry fee) and there is an area for you to park your bike.
*for people who are interested in riding the bike around the park there is a rental place near the entrance. Bike lane is around the outside of the park and you are require to park your bike before entering different area.
Around the water park there are swimming suits tubes and shaved ice sold
Past the pool are the BBQ pits and resting area. Since my child is still too young to be around the pits there no photo to be shown. If you are interested in using the BBQ pits the equipment can be rent and there are meat and vegetable sold in set.
Red area is the BBQ place
After the BBQ pits is a flower garden and multi-purpose lawn. The flowers in the garden are seasonal ex. Sakura and tulip for spring sunflower and cosmos for summer etc.
For more information about the flower visit the park’s website at http://www.showakinen-koen.jp/flower-info/flower-info-spring/
Multi-purpose lawn
Nearby is a playground
tunnels
tulips
Photo spots
Kids maze
playground
Camping and outer activities in the lawn
Sakura viewing is very popular in Japan
Aside from this there are Japanese garden, mini rice field, and herb corner which will have many flavored soft serve sold. Sakura flavor and lavender flavor is quite tasty.
If you are coming to Showa Koen with your family there are baby stroller for rent and room for breast feeding and changing diaper.
Address : 3173 Midorimaji Tajikawa Tokyo postal 190-0014
Contact : 042-528-1751
Business hours :
| Period | Open Hours |
| 1 March ～31 October | 9:30～17:00 |
| 1 November ～ Early February | 9:30～16:30 |
| 1 April ～ 30 September (*Sat Sun and national holiday) |
9:30～18:00 |
Website : http://www.showakinen-koen.jp/
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