Showa Kinen Park, a sprawling oasis in Tachikawa, Tokyo, comes alive in autumn with vibrant hues of gold, red, and orange. The park’s expansive landscapes, featuring iconic ginkgo and maple trees, offer a stunning seasonal spectacle. With special autumn events, including illuminations and the Autumn Leaves Festival, it’s a perfect destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Overview
| Place | Showa Kinen Park (昭和記念公園) |
| Best Viewing Time | Late October to late November |
| Festival | Autumn Leaves Festival 2024 2024/11/02 – 12/1 |
| Illumination | Ginkgo Tree Avenue, Japanese Garden |
| Foliage Types | Ginkgo, maple, metasequoia |
| Business Hours | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (varies by season) |
| Admission | Adults: 450 yen; Children: Free |
| Related Sites | Showa Kinen Park Official Site |
Why Showa Kinen Park is Worth Visiting in Autumn
- Stunning Autumn Foliage: Vibrant colors of ginkgo, maple, and metasequoia trees create a picturesque landscape.
- Illuminations: Special nighttime illuminations of the Ginkgo Tree Avenue and Japanese Garden add a magical atmosphere.
- Seasonal Events: The Autumn Leaves Festival features cultural performances, night walks, and food stalls offering seasonal delicacies.
- Wide Open Spaces: The park’s vast size offers plenty of space for leisurely strolls, cycling, and picnicking under the colorful trees.
Showa Kinen Park Fall Foliage
Autumn in Showa Kinen Park is a spectacle of color. The park’s ginkgo trees are among the first to change, turning golden-yellow by late October, while the Japanese maples peak in November with fiery red and orange hues. The two Ginkgo Tree Avenues, located near the Tachikawa Gate and Sports Area, are iconic autumn highlights, creating golden tunnels of foliage that are illuminated during the park’s Autumn Leaves Festival. The Japanese Garden provides a tranquil setting with vibrant maple trees, perfect for quiet contemplation. Other noteworthy foliage includes metasequoia trees in the Children’s Forest, which turn a warm reddish-brown, and the keyaki (zelkova) trees in the Open Field area.
Ginkgo Tree Avenue
The park’s 200- and 300-meter-long ginkgo avenues near the Tachikawa Gate and Sports Area create one of Tokyo’s most iconic autumn views. The fallen leaves form a golden carpet, and during the Autumn Leaves Festival, the avenue is illuminated, offering a serene, glowing path through the trees.
Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden in Showa Kinen Park is a must-visit during peak autumn foliage, showcasing vibrant maple trees against the backdrop of traditional Japanese architecture. This beautifully landscaped area features serene ponds, winding paths, and tranquil pavilions. During the autumn season, a special night illumination event enhances the garden’s beauty, casting a soft glow over the fiery reds and oranges of the maples. Visitors can enjoy peaceful strolls and take in the picturesque views from various vantage points throughout the garden, making it a perfect spot for reflection and photography.
Showa Kinen Park Facilities & Amenities
Showa Kinen Park is equipped with a wide range of amenities. Visitors can rent bicycles and explore over 14 km of cycling paths or enjoy a boat ride on the park’s lakes. The park also features a Sports Area with futsal courts, disk golf, and petanque. For families, the Children’s Forest offers playgrounds and unique features like the Rainbow Hammock and Bouncing Dome trampoline. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking or barbecuing, with equipment rentals available. The park’s restrooms, food stalls, and cafes are conveniently located throughout the grounds.
Dining Options
Inside Showa Kinen Park, cafes and food stalls serve light meals, snacks, and beverages, ideal for a quick break while admiring the foliage. The Komorebi Terrace near the Japanese Garden offers stunning views along with its menu of seasonal treats and drinks. Outside the park, there are numerous restaurants, such as Tre Monte, an Italian restaurant with views of the park, and Chez TASSEKÉ, a French-style cafe known for its pastries. For a more casual meal, Jonathan’s, a family restaurant chain, serves seasonal dishes, including autumn-themed desserts.
Travel Tips
- Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the park covers a vast area.
- Bring a camera to capture the beautiful autumn scenes.
- Use public transport for easy access: JR Chuo Line to Nishi-Tachikawa Station.
- Consider purchasing tickets in advance for special evening events like the Japanese Garden illumination.
- Best foliage views are from early November to early December, with mid-November as the peak.
How to Get to Showa Kinen Park
From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Line (rapid) to Nishi-Tachikawa Station, which takes about 40 minutes and costs 490 yen. The station is a 2-minute walk from the park’s Nishi-Tachikawa Gate. Alternatively, visitors can access the Akebono Gate or Tachikawa Gate from Tachikawa Station, which is a 10-15 minute walk from the park.
