Showa Kinen Park, a Must-go Day Trip in Autumn from Tokyo
One of my new favorite places near Tokyo is Showa Kinen Park (昭和記念公園), a huge park in Tachikawa city (立川市), about 45 minutes by train from central Tokyo.
Spanning over 160 hectares, the park is the perfect day trip from Tokyo for anyone looking for a nature getaway. With a variety of natural and water areas, seasonal flowers and sports infrastructures, as well as other facilities, it is a great option for a relaxing outing from Tokyo, especially from March to November, as there are various seasonal events. The wide spaces also offer perfect spots to picnic and chill and it is possible to rent bikes to explore the vast park or a boat for a romantic or family time on the pond.
Breathtaking Autumn Color Viewing in Showa Kinen Park
Showa Kinen Park is renowned for its vibrant fall foliage, especially its alleys of ginkgo trees near the Tachikawa Gate turning bright yellow, and its Japanese Garden full of red momiji trees (Japanese maple trees).
It’s also just a great pleasure to take a leisurely stroll through Showa Kinen Park’s expansive gardens turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, or relax by the large pond, while soaking in the seasonal colors.
You can see more of the pictures I took on my visit on 12th November in my article “15 Pictures that Will Make You Want to Visit Showa Kinen Park in Autumn”.
A Exciting Day Trip Itinerary to Explore Showa Kinen Park in Autumn
I would recommend you to arrive at Tachikawa station and have brunch or early lunch there, as there are many options for restaurants. I opted for Ootoya, my favorite Japanese chain restaurant specializing in Japanese teishoku, which is 5 minutes away from the station. I love this place because the set meals are authentic, healthy and cheap.
If it is not too cold, a picnic at the Akebono entrance of the Showa Kinen Park could also be another nice alternative.
I would recommend spending at least 3 hours in the park, to have sufficient time to enjoy the autumnal scenery at the Ginkgo alleys at the Tachikawa entrance and through the park up to the Japanese garden. But you could also spend an entire day exploring the park as it is so huge.
Moreover, if you are into photography, be aware that the sunset in November is quite early (around 16:40). While you can enjoy the Golden hour as early as 14:30-15:00, it also means it will start to get dark quite quickly as the sun sinks behind the trees.
As the park closes at 16:30, here are a few suggestions for the rest of your afternoon before heading back home:
Rest in a café: there are many options near the park and Tachikawa station. I chose Jonathan’s, a family-style restaurant, where I had a delicious seasonal chestnut dessert while enjoying the unlimited drink bar.
Go shopping: there are many shops and malls around Tachikawa station (GU, Muji, or Uniqlo for clothes, Nitori for Japanese furniture and home accessories, several department stores…).
Go soak in an onsen: The onsen Kunitachi Onsen Yura-no-Sato (国立温泉 湯楽の里) is located 20 minutes away from Tachikawa station by train. You can reach it by stopping at Yugawa station and then walk about ten minutes. I have not been there yet but would love to go after my next visit to Showa Kinen Park.
Stay in Showa Kinen Park to see the autumn illuminations at night: If you did not have enough or want to experience Japanese autumn in a different atmosphere, the night illuminations could be a great option. Tickets need to be booked in advance through Showa Kinen Park’s Japanese website (link below).
Some Practical Information for Your Visit
Transports to Showa Kinen Park: The JR Chuo Line connects the park to central Tokyo (Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station) while the JR Nambu Line connects the park to Setagaya district in southern Tokyo and also passes by central Tokyo (Shinagawa, Shibuya or Shinjuku station).
Opening hours:
Nov. 1 to the end of Feb.: 9:30 to 16:30
March 1 to Oct. 31: 9:30 to 17:00
Apr. 1 to Sept. 30 on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays: 9:30 to 18:00
Entrance fee: ¥450 for adults (over 15 years old), ¥210 for seniors (over 65 years old), free otherwise. You can buy tickets at vending machines near the entrances, but you can also use your transport pass such as Pasmo or Suica, which I found very convenient.
For more information, you can visit the park’s website, available in English and Japanese.
To Conclude
I hope you will find this post useful and that you will have an awesome time at Showa Kinen Park as I did!
Planning to explore Japan in the fall? You can check out all my Japan autumn articles.
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This article was originally published on November 14 2022 and updated on September 12 2024.
