About
Asukayama Park is a beautiful park located in Oji, Kita Ward, Tokyo, where history and nature are harmoniously blended. During the Edo period, the eighth shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, developed it as a recreational area for common people, and it has long been loved as a famous spot for cherry blossoms. In 1873 (Meiji 6), it was designated as one of Japan’s first parks and is still cherished by many people today.
About 650 cherry trees are planted in the park, welcoming visitors with their full bloom in spring. Especially from late March to early April, the Cherry Blossom Festival is held, bustling with many food stalls and events. In addition, azaleas bloom in May and hydrangeas in June, allowing visitors to enjoy seasonal flowers throughout the year.
Within the park, there are three museums: the Kita City Asukayama Museum, the Paper Museum, and the Shibusawa Memorial Museum, where visitors can learn about local history and culture, the history of paper, and the achievements of Eiichi Shibusawa. In the former Shibusawa Garden, Bankoro and Seien Bunko, both designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, still remain, conveying the atmosphere of the past to the present.
The playground, popular with children, features a variety of play equipment, including a large castle-shaped structure over 7 meters tall, an elephant slide, and a jungle gym. In summer, fountains and a splash pond are open for water play, making the park lively with families.
Within the park, the Toden 6080 streetcar and the D51 853 steam locomotive are on display, making it a popular spot for railway enthusiasts. Furthermore, from the observation deck, visitors can watch trains such as the Tohoku and Joetsu Shinkansen go by, attracting many railway-loving parents and children.
Access is convenient: it is just a short walk from the Central or South Exit of JR Keihin-Tohoku Line Oji Station, a 3-minute walk from Exit 1 of Tokyo Metro Namboku Line Oji Station, and a short walk from the Toden Arakawa Line Asukayama stop, making it easily accessible from various directions. In addition, the self-propelled monorail “Asuka Park Rail (Ascargo)” operates from in front of Oji Station, allowing stroller users and the elderly to move easily within the park.
Asukayama Park is a fascinating place where history, nature, and culture are integrated, offering visitors seasonal scenery and a variety of experiences.