Asukayama Park (Kita Ward, Tokyo)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Asukayama Park (Kita Ward, Tokyo) is one of Tokyo's oldest parks, known since the Edo period for its cherry blossoms. Established as a park in the Meiji period, it has been beloved by Tokyo residents. The park's terrain makes use of the slightly elevated slopes of Mt. Asuka, and in spring, the approximately 600 cherry trees, primarily Somei Yoshino, bloom all at once, making it a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. The park is also home to cultural facilities such as the Local History Museum and the Paper Museum, making it an attractive place to experience history and industrial culture while strolling around.

Highlights

• Cherry Blossom Row: In the spring (usually late March to early April), the slopes are covered in bloom with Somei-Yoshino cherry trees, attracting many visitors. In some years, the area is lit up at night (please check as this varies from year to year).
• Paper Museum: A facility where you can experience and learn about washi paper, its history, and its manufacturing process. Seasonal exhibitions and workshops are sometimes held.
• Kita Ward Asukayama Museum (Local History Museum): Stores and exhibits materials related to the history of the region and Asukayama.
• Walking paths and observation space within the park: Located on a small hill, the view is excellent, and you can enjoy views of the city center and the changing scenery throughout the seasons.
• Historical sites and monuments: There are stone monuments and memorials scattered throughout the park that tell the story of its history, and it's fun to discover them on your walk.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• JR Keihin Tohoku Line, Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, Toei Mita Line: Oji Station (North Exit, approx. 5-minute walk)
• Get off at Asukayama Station on the Toden Arakawa Line (Tokyo Sakura Tram) and you're there in a 1-2 minute walk.
• From JR Oji Station, there is a route that requires climbing stairs and a hill, but the closest and easiest access is from the Toden Asukayama stop.
• If you are coming by car, there are paid parking lots in the surrounding area, but we recommend using public transportation as it can get crowded during cherry blossom season.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Light walk: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Visit including cherry blossom viewing and picnic: 1.5 to 3 hours (depending on crowds and eating and drinking times)
• If museum visit is included: Approximately 2-4 hours (varies depending on exhibit content and whether or not you participate in a workshop)

Nearby spots

• Oji Shrine and Oji Inari Shrine: Located near Oji Station, these shrines are known for their local history and festivals.
• Kyu-Furukawa Gardens (accessible by foot or bus): A beautiful spot with a Western-style building and a Japanese garden, the garden scenery is popular in spring and autumn.
• Komagome Rikugien Garden: A little further away, but a few train stops away to enjoy a spectacular daimyo garden in full bloom.
• Stroll around the Toden Arakawa Line: Cafes and shops are dotted along the retro streetcar line.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• Crowds: It gets very crowded on weekends during the cherry blossom season. Early mornings and weekdays are less crowded.
• Garbage and Manners: To help keep the park beautiful, please take your trash with you or dispose of it in the designated area. Please refrain from making noise or causing a nuisance to other users.
• Drinking alcohol and fire: Some locations may have restrictions on drinking alcohol or using fire. Barbecues and other activities are often prohibited, so please check the local notices.
• Accessibility and footing: There are slopes and stairs within the park, so some areas may be difficult to navigate with strollers or wheelchairs. If necessary, please check the route and entrance/exit information in advance.
• Illumination Events: Illumination events and special events are sometimes held during cherry blossom season, but these vary from year to year, so be sure to check official information from Kita Ward and the park beforehand.
• Climate and clothing: In early spring, there are large temperature differences, so we recommend wearing layers of clothing. Please be careful when it rains as the ground can be slippery in some places.

Asukayama Park is a great place to stroll in all seasons, but the cherry blossoms are especially spectacular in spring. To make your visit even more enjoyable, check the latest flowering information and facility opening times before visiting.