20 Parks in Tokyo worth your time

A hilltop park featuring ancient burial mounds, seasonal hydrangeas, and views of Mount Fuji from a former water purification site.

What it is

• A metropolitan park opened in 1953 on the site of a former water purification plant.
• The grounds contain two large keyhole-shaped burial mounds and eight smaller tumuli.
• A public space managed by Ota Ward covering approximately 66,661 square meters.

What to see

• Seven varieties of hydrangeas planted throughout the botanical garden area.
• An on-site museum displaying artifacts recovered from the ancient burial mounds.
• An observation area providing views of Mount Fuji during the winter months.
• The Tamagawadai burial mound group consisting of multiple historic tumuli.

When to go

• Winter months offer the best visibility for viewing Mount Fuji from the observation deck.
• The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and offers free admission to visitors.

Getting there

• The park is a five-minute walk from Tamagawa Station.

Official site

www.city.ota.tokyo.jp

Read more about Tamagawadai Park

A historic Edo-period circular garden featuring a central pond and volcanic stone mountains, offering a peaceful escape in central Tokyo.

What it is

• Established in 1686 by Okubo Tadatomo as a classic circular-style garden.
• Donated to Tokyo City in 1924 after earthquake damage destroyed original buildings.
• Designated as an official Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government in 1979.
• Features a central pond and a Japanese archery range available for public use.

What to see

• A central pond designed for walking around to view different perspectives.
• A stone dike modeled after the famous West Lake in China.
• A mountain constructed using volcanic stones brought from Odawara.
• Landscaped grounds that survived the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.

When to go

• Open daily for visitors from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM.
• General admission is available for a small fee of 150 yen.

Getting there

• Located a one-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station in Minato Ward.

Official site

www.tokyo-park.or.jp

Read more about Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden

A former Shogunate villa featuring Tokyo's only seawater pond, offering a peaceful contrast to the surrounding Shiodome skyscrapers.

What it is

• A public metropolitan garden designated as a Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty.
• Founded in 1654 as a villa for the Kofu clan.
• Served as a detached palace for the Tokugawa Shogunate before opening to the public in 1946.
• The site once housed Japan's first Western-style stone building for foreign guests.

What to see

• A seawater pond that rises and falls with the ocean tides.
• Four historic teahouses reconstructed to their original designs since the 1980s.
• Two traditional duck hunting grounds located within the garden grounds.
• Saltwater fish including mullet, sea bass, and eels living in the central pond.
• Modern views of the Shiodome skyscraper district surrounding the traditional landscape.

Getting there

• Water buses provide direct access via a landing point located inside the garden.

Official site

www.tokyo-park.or.jp

Read more about Hamarikyu Gardens

A historic Edo-period garden in Hino City famous for its 800 plum trees and traditional tea house architecture.

What it is

• A designated historic site and scenic spot originally built during the Kyoho era.
• A traditional landscape garden owned by the Keio Corporation since 1957.
• A hillside retreat featuring monuments to poets Wakayama Bokusui and Matsuo Basho.

What to see

• Approximately 800 plum trees that bloom across the garden grounds.
• The Shoren-an building and the Sanreki-an tea room facilities.
• A traditional pond known as Shinji-ike located within the garden.
• Stone monuments dedicated to famous Japanese literary figures.

When to go

• The annual plum festival held from February to March during peak bloom.

Getting there

• Take the Keio Line to Mogusaen Station.
• Walk from the station along a path featuring steep slopes.
• Note that there are no parking facilities available at the site.

Official site

www.keio-mogusaen.jp

Read more about Mogusaen Garden

This central Tokyo park offers history, nature, and the Imperial Palace grounds, with Edo Castle remnants.

What it is

• National Garden in central Tokyo, over one square kilometer.
• Includes three museums and Kitanomaru Garden.
• Grounds ring the Imperial Palace, residence of the emperor.
• Once part of Edo Castle, originally built in 1457.

What to see

• Landscaped plaza in front of the palace.
• 12 moats, several gates, bridges, watchtowers, and stone walls.
• Statue of legendary samurai Kusunoki Masashige.
• Almost 2,000 carefully manicured Japanese black pine trees.
• Wadakura Fountain Park, commemorating imperial marriages.
• East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, open to the public.

When to go

• After sunset, Sakuradamon Gate is lit up.

Getting there

• Nanko Rest House is in the southernmost corner.
• Numerous subway stations are within easy reach.

Official site

www.env.go.jp

Read more about Kōkyogaien

This four-kilometer waterfront park features large-scale public art and connects major landmarks across Tokyo's Odaiba and Ariake districts.

What it is

• The largest park in the Tokyo Waterfront City area spanning four kilometers.
• A public space consisting of West, Center, and East promenades.
• A pedestrian network connecting Minato and Koto wards.
• An open-air gallery featuring multiple public art installations and sculptures.

What to see

• The twenty-seven meter tall Flame of Liberty sculpture by Marc Couturier.
• A fountain on the West Promenade that operates daily until 22:00.
• The Dream Great Bridge and Teleport Bridge located on the Center Promenade.
• Views of Ariake Coliseum and the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center.

When to go

• The park is open year-round with free admission for all visitors.
• Evening visits allow for viewing the illuminated fountain until 22:00.

Official site

www.tptc.co.jp

Read more about Symbol Promenade Park

A riverside metropolitan park in Sumida Ward designed as a disaster prevention base with sports facilities and historical landmarks.

What it is

• A metropolitan park located along the Sumida River in Tokyo.
• The site serves as a designated disaster prevention base for the local area.
• The grounds feature four all-weather tennis courts and two small baseball fields.
• The park service center is open daily from 8:30 to 17:30.

What to see

• A symbol tower shaped like a traditional Edo period firemen's matoi.
• The Suijin Ohashi Bridge which connects the grounds to Shioiri Park.
• Sumida River Shrine and Mokuboji Temple located in the immediate vicinity.
• The adjacent Tokyo Metropolitan Rehabilitation Hospital building.

Getting there

• A seven-minute walk from Kanegafuchi Station leads to the park entrance.
• Local loop buses stop at multiple points near the park grounds.

Official site

www.tokyo-park.or.jp

Read more about Higashi-Shirahige Park

A historic 1964 Olympic venue turned public park featuring iconic modernist architecture and extensive athletic facilities for sports enthusiasts.

What it is

• A public sports park that served as a primary venue for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
• The site was originally home to the Tokyo Golf Club before its redevelopment.
• Designed by architect Yoshinobu Ashihara to host soccer and wrestling competitions.
• The starting point for the 2021 Tokyo Olympic torch relay.

What to see

• A memorial gallery dedicated to the history of the Tokyo Olympics.
• The main stadium, gymnasium, and indoor ball sports field.
• A dedicated cycling course measuring 2,080 meters in a counter-clockwise loop.

When to go

• Visit during the annual Tokyo Ramen Show held within the park grounds.

Getting there

• Walk fifteen minutes from Komazawa-daigaku Station to reach the park entrance.

Official site

www.tef.or.jp

Read more about Komazawa Olympic Park

A municipal park built on a former factory site featuring a long roller slide and views of the Nakagawa River.

What it is

• A municipal park managed by Katsushika Ward that opened in 2008.
• The site was previously occupied by a Tateishi Pharmaceutical factory.
• The grounds serve as a designated evacuation site during large-scale disasters.
• The park is situated directly adjacent to the Nakagawa River.

What to see

• A thirty-meter long roller slide for visitors to use.
• Various athletic equipment and health exercise tools throughout the grounds.
• Views of the nearby Nakagawa River from the park edge.

When to go

• The park is open at all times throughout the year.
• Admission to the grounds is free for all visitors.

Getting there

• It is a fifteen-minute walk from Keisei Tateishi Station.

Official site

www.city.katsushika.lg.jp

Read more about Higashi-Tateishi Green Park

A public park in Minato featuring ancient residential remains, imperial history, and a legendary mound associated with local folklore.

What it is

• A public park opened in 1952 on the former site of the Toki clan residence.
• The grounds once served as the home of the Kacho-no-miya imperial family.
• Excavations at this site revealed residential remains dating back to the Jomon period.
• The park contains a mound linked to the historic Takeshiba legend.

What to see

• Original outer walls from the former Kacho-no-miya imperial residence surrounding the park.
• A unique fullerene-shaped play structure relocated from a local elementary school.
• Saikaiji Temple which is located directly adjacent to the park grounds.
• A police box situated within the park boundaries.
• A southwestern free space formerly used as a Defense Agency dormitory.

Official site

takanawa-park.com

Read more about Kamezuka Park

A public park on a former university campus featuring open lawns and specialized disaster prevention facilities for the local community.

What it is

• A municipal park managed by Kita Ward that opened in 2010
• The former site of the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies campus from 1944 to 2000
• A designated disaster prevention and evacuation site for the surrounding neighborhood
• A public green space with free admission that remains open at all times

What to see

• A large central lawn area and a children's playground
• A biotope pond and a wading pool for visitors to enjoy
• Emergency infrastructure including cooking benches and a disaster well
• Specialized emergency toilets and an earthquake-resistant water storage tank

Getting there

• A six-minute walk from Nishigahara-yonchome Station

Official site

nishigahara-parks.com

Read more about Nishigahara Minna no Kōen

Kitanomaru Park offers history, museums, and nature, including the famous Nippon Budokan and cherry blossoms.

What it is

• Former part of Edo Castle, later a military outpost.
• Opened as a park in 1969.
• Home to wildlife.
• Contains three museums.

What to see

• Nippon Budokan, 1964 Olympic arena that hosted The Beatles.
• National Museum of Modern Art, Science Museum, Crafts Gallery.
• Crafts Gallery, former Imperial Guard headquarters, Important Cultural Property.
• Bronze statue of Prince Kitashirakawa Yoshihisa on horseback.
• Concrete bases of a 1937 anti-aircraft cannon battery.
• Shimizumon Gate and Tayasumon Gate, Important Cultural Properties.

When to go

• Beautiful during spring's cherry blossom season.
• Stunning in autumn for fiery red, yellow, and orange trees.

Read more about Kitanomaru Park

Kasai Marine Park is a Ramsar wetland, offering tidal flats and birdwatching near Tokyo.

What it is

• A metropolitan marine park in Tokyo's Edogawa Ward.
• Registered under the Ramsar Convention since 2018.
• Opened in 1989, covering 367 hectares.
• Dedicated to environmental protection and marine life.

What to see

• Two tidal flats and extensive water areas.
• West Nagisa, an artificial beach, is open to visitors.
• East Nagisa beach is closed for environmental protection.
• 126 bird species can be observed in the area.
• Views of the Arakawa and Old Edo River mouths.

Getting there

• Connected to Kasai Rinkai Park by Kasai Nagisa Bridge.
• West Nagisa is accessible from Kasai Rinkai Park.

Official site

www.tokyo-park.or.jp

Read more about Kasai Marine Park

A public municipal park in southern Komae City situated near the Tama River on historical village land.

What it is

• A public municipal park located in the southern part of Komae City.
• The site stands on land that was historically part of Komai Village.
• The name refers to a historical subdivision of the local area.
• The grounds are situated on land once outside the river embankment.

What to see

• Natural landscapes featuring high green coverage ratios for the region.
• Views of the nearby Tama River and surrounding residential areas.
• Proximity to local landmarks including Hie Shrine and Enjuin Temple.

Getting there

• Accessible via Odakyu bus routes departing from Komae Station.

Read more about Kuyoduka Koen Park

Tokyo's premier tennis park with 49 courts and major tournament venues.

What it is

• Metropolitan seaside park in Koto Ward, Tokyo.
• Opened on May 14, 1983.
• Managed by Ariake Tennis Management Team.
• Covers approximately 163,341 square meters.

What to see

• 49 tennis courts available.
• Ariake Coliseum with 10,008 seats.
• Show Court with 3,018 seats.
• Indoor courts in the clubhouse.
• Lawn, jogging course, and promenades.

When to go

• Hosts the Japan Open Tennis Championships.
• Hosts the Toray Pan Pacific Open Tennis Tournament.

Getting there

• Five-minute walk from Kokusai-Tenjijo Station.
• Kokusai-Tenjijo Station is on the Rinkai Line.

Address

東京都江東区有明二丁目2番22号 Map

Official site

www.tptc.co.jp

Read more about Ariake Tennis Forest Park

Mukōjima-Hyakkaen is a historic Edo period flower garden, offering seasonal blooms and unique monuments.

What it is

• A metropolitan garden in Sumida Ward, Tokyo.
• Originated from an Edo period flower garden.
• Opened as a public facility in July 1939.
• Designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Historic Site.

What to see

• Early spring plum blossoms.
• Autumn bush clover.
• Birthplace of the Sumida River Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage.
• Fukurokuju enshrined within the garden.
• 29 stone monuments and plaques.

When to go

• Early spring for plum blossoms.
• Autumn for bush clover.

Getting there

• Accessible by Tobu Skytree Line.
• Accessible by Keisei Oshiage Line.

Address

東京都墨田区東向島三丁目18番3号 Map

Official site

www.tokyo-park.or.jp

Read more about Mukōjima-Hyakkaen Garden

Tama Central Park offers green space, cultural facilities, and a historic residence in Tama City.

What it is

• A municipal urban park in Tama City, Tokyo.
• Located in Tama Center, the heart of Tama New Town.
• Covers an area of 112,992.19 square meters.
• Classified as a district park for the new town.

What to see

• Parthenon Tama and Tama City Central Library.
• A large pond and a grass lawn.
• A 1km jogging course with trees from each prefecture.
• The Old Tomizawa Family Residence, a restored folk house.
• The Green Live Center for flower and greenery consultations.
• The Pyramid Gallery with a baobab tree.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Tama Center Station South Exit.

Official site

www.city.tama.lg.jp

Read more about Tama Central Park

Tokyo's first suburban park, with a pond, zoo, and Ghibli Museum, perfect for a relaxing hour.

What it is

• Japan's first suburban park, opened in 1917.
• Spans Musashino City and Mitaka City in Tokyo.
• Centered around Inokashira Pond, a historic water source.

What to see

• Inokashira Pond, covering 43,000 square meters.
• Inokashira Park Zoo and Aquarium.
• Ghibli Museum in the West Garden.
• Inokashira Benzaiten shrine on an island in the pond.
• Kanda River flowing from the pond.

When to go

• One of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots.

Getting there

• Accessible from Kichijoji Station.
• Accessible from Inokashira-koen Station.

Official site

www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp

Read more about Inokashira Park

Research garden with diverse trees and a large cherry blossom collection, worth visiting for nature lovers.

What it is

• A research institution in Hachioji City, Tokyo.
• Part of the Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute.
• Established in 1921 as a forestry experiment station.
• A portion of the facility is open to the public.

What to see

• The Sakura Conservation Forest preserves cherry tree genes.
• Approximately 1,700 cherry trees are planted.
• The arboretum contains about 620 types of trees.

When to go

• Cherry blossoms bloom from February to May.

Getting there

• Near Takaosan Station.
• 10-minute walk from Takaosan Station North Exit.

Address

〒193-0843　東京都八王子市廿里町1833-81 Map

Official site

www.ffpri.go.jp

Read more about Tama Forest Science Garden

A municipal park in Tokyo famous for its connection to the Kochikame manga and its bronze character statues.

What it is

• A municipal park managed by Katsushika Ward in Tokyo.
• A recurring location featured in the popular manga series Kochikame.
• A filming site used for the movie Space Monster Gamera.
• A public space equipped with playground facilities for children.

What to see

• A bronze statue of the character Kankichi Ryotsu installed in 2010.
• The nearby Kameari North Exit Shopping Street located just outside the park.
• A real police box situated sixty meters away from the park grounds.

Getting there

• A five minute walk from Kameari Station.

Read more about Kameari Park