As a kid, nothing excited me more than a trip to Showa Kinen Park in Tachikawa.
Surrounded by the serenity and vastness of nature, you would never guess you’re just 30 minutes away from central Tokyo by train. A cycling path runs along the circumference of the park, encompassing a central lake where you can rent rowboats for a fun adventure with your kids.
Built on a former airbase and opened in 1983 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa’s (1901 – 1989) reign, the sprawling park is divided into various sections, each offering unique family-friendly attractions. My favorite is the giant white bouncy structure, likely made of a rubber-like material, where kids can climb and jump to their heart’s content. Other features include a Japanese-style garden, seasonal flowers and foliage, a barbecue area, and an Emperor Showa Memorial Museum. What’s more, the park hosts a fireworks festival in summer!
Showa Kinen Park can be accessed via Nishi-Tachikawa Station or Tachikawa Station on the JR Chuo Line. Admission is 450 yen for adults, free for children.
