Showa Kinen Park, a vast national park in the suburbs of Tokyo, transforms into a floral paradise each spring, with around 1,500 cherry trees of various species blooming alongside rapeseed flowers. The cherry blossoms in Showa Kinen Park typically reach their peak bloom a few days later than those in central Tokyo, often extending into mid-April. Whether strolling beneath Sakura Road’s famous pink tunnel or admiring the picturesque blend of cherry blossoms and rapeseed fields, Showa Kinen Park is a must-visit sakura destination.

Why Showa Kinen Park is Worth Visiting

• Sakura Road’s Pink Tunnel – A breathtaking pathway lined with cherry trees on both sides, forming an iconic pink canopy.
• Weeping Cherry Trees – Elegant shidare-zakura with cascading pink blossoms create an intimate viewing experience.
• Cherry Blossoms and Rapeseed Fields – A stunning contrast of soft pink sakura and bright yellow rapeseed flowers offers a vivid springtime display.
• Diverse Sakura Species – Home to 1,500 trees representing around 30 species, including Somei Yoshino, Kanzan, and rare green-flowering cherry trees.
• Scenic Picnic Spots – Wide lawns and benches positioned for optimal cherry blossom viewing make it an excellent place for hanami.

Showa Kinen Park Cherry Blossoms

Showa Kinen Park boasts a diverse array of cherry blossom trees, with around 1,500 trees representing 30 species, ensuring an extended viewing season from late March to mid-April. The Cherry Blossom Garden, located in the Open Field’s northern section, is a prime hanami spot, featuring mature cherry trees over 50 years old.

Sakura Road is one of the park’s most famous attractions, offering a breathtaking “pink tunnel” effect as cherry trees arch over the path. This scenic walkway is perfect for leisurely strolls and photography enthusiasts. Visitors can also marvel at the graceful weeping cherry trees in the Cherry Blossom Garden, which bloom slightly earlier than Somei Yoshino varieties, creating a captivating early spring display.

Adding to the spectacle, the park’s Flower Garden offers a striking blend of golden rapeseed fields intermingled with delicate cherry blossoms, providing a perfect backdrop for photographers and nature lovers.

Showa Kinen Park Facilities & Amenities

The park is well-equipped with facilities that enhance the visitor experience. Showa Kinen Park features a 14-km cycling course with rental bikes available at multiple gates, a boating lake, and a Rainbow Pool complex that is open during the summer. The park also includes extensive sports facilities, a Barbecue Garden for pre-booked gatherings, and children’s play areas such as the Children’s Forest. Additionally, cultural attractions like the Emperor Showa Memorial Museum and a traditional Japanese garden offer educational and serene experiences.

Dining Options

Visitors to Showa Kinen Park can enjoy a variety of dining options both within the park and in the surrounding area. Oka Cafe, designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, offers a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere with a brunch plate featuring scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, and more (¥1,550), as well as lighter options like sandwiches and smoothies.

Outside the park, Tachikawa provides an array of dining choices. Gyukatsu Motomura is a top pick for those craving tender beef cutlets (¥1,000-2,000), while Pizzeria YUICIRO&A serves authentic Italian pizzas starting at ¥1,000. For families, Jonathan’s near Tachikawa Station is a great choice, known for its seasonal desserts and an all-you-can-drink bar.

Travel Tips

• Visit on weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds during peak bloom.
• Purchase tickets online to skip queues at the entrance.
• Rent a bicycle to explore the park’s 14-km cycling paths efficiently.
• Bring a picnic as outside food is allowed in most areas.
• Check bloom forecasts and events on the park’s official website before visiting.
• Wear comfortable shoes and bring layers for unpredictable spring weather.
• Photography enthusiasts should visit Cherry Blossom Garden and Sakura Bridge for the best views.

Video

Showa Kinen Park is featured in this video about lesser-known cherry blossom spots in Tokyo. The segment starts at 2:13.

How to Get to Showa Kinen Park

Showa Kinen Park is easily accessible from central Tokyo. The most convenient entrance is the Nishi-Tachikawa Gate, directly connected to Nishi-Tachikawa Station on the JR Ome Line. Alternatively, visitors can enter through Akebono Gate, a 7-minute walk from Tachikawa Station on the JR Chuo Line, providing access to the park’s main entrance and information center.

From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Line rapid train to Tachikawa Station (approximately 34 minutes) or transfer to the JR Ome Line for Nishi-Tachikawa Station (around 45 minutes). Train fares range from ¥500 to ¥700. For those driving, the park offers parking facilities near major gates, though traffic congestion may make public transport a more reliable option.

Nearby Attractions

Tachikawa City offers additional attractions to complement a visit to Showa Kinen Park. The Tachikawa Manga Park, featuring an extensive manga library, is a great stop for anime and comic book enthusiasts. The Polar Science Museum provides interactive exhibits on Japan’s Antarctic research. For shopping and dining, LaLaport Tachikawa Tachihi offers a modern mall experience with various shops and restaurants.

Nearby Cherry Blossom Spots

For more cherry blossom experiences, visitors can explore nearby destinations such as Koganei Park, which boasts over 1,700 cherry trees and a historical Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. Inokashira Park in Kichijoji offers beautiful sakura-lined walking paths and a scenic pond where visitors can enjoy boat rentals. Lastly, Shinjuku Gyoen in central Tokyo provides a serene garden setting with a mix of early, mid, and late-blooming sakura varieties, allowing for an extended hanami season.