Welcome to TOKYO FREE PARKS, a website dedicated to introducing free parks in Tokyo. We recommend taking a stroll in Shakujii Park, located in Tokyo’s Nerima Ward. This park serves as a serene oasis of vibrant greenery, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling atmosphere of metropolitan area.
A Natural Paradise
Shakujii Park is often called the “Park of Water and Greenery.” It boasts two large ponds that cover approximately 30% of the park’s total area. Surrounding these ponds, there are extensive walking paths that stretch from east to west.
You can also partake in boating (for a fee) as you take in the lush surroundings of the pond.
Walking along the wooden path by the water’s edge enhances the ambiance, creating a distinctive and serene atmosphere.
Seasonal Beauty
Shakujii Park offers a sprawling natural landscape where visitors can delight in the distinct beauty of each season.
As water lilies and lotus flowers grace the pond’s surface with their vibrant colors, it creates a truly soothing and picturesque scene.
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
The park is also a hotspot for birdwatchers, with around 130 different bird species visiting throughout the year. Some, like the mallard duck, can be seen here year-round, while others make a brief appearance during specific seasons.
Rich in History and Heritage
Shakujii Park is rich in historical elements as well. Inside the park, you can find a traditional Japanese building and a shrine, providing an excellent opportunity to experience Japanese culture.
Because the pond has historically served as a vital water source, the local residents have a profound reverence for the water, and there are shrines devoted to water-related deities.
Castle Remains
One notable historical feature is the main enclosure of Shakujii Castle, designated as a historical site in Tokyo. The clear distinctions between the earthen embankments and dry moats are still visible today. Shakujii Castle is a small-scale medieval fortress, believed to have been constructed during the mid to the late Kamakura Period*.
*Kamakura Period (1185?年 – 1333年)
What’s more…
- The park features playground equipment for children and an athletic area.
- The park also houses a small nostalgic shop that serves alcoholic beverages and a concession stand offering snacks.
- Restrooms are conveniently scattered throughout the park, and there are diaper changing facilities available.
| Name | SHAKUJII PARK |
| Open | 24 Hours (Boat area and stores are closed on Thursdays.) |
| Address | 1-chōme-26-1 Shakujiidai, Nerima, Tokyo |
| Coming by Train | Seibu Ikebukuro Line, Shakujii Koen Sta. (7 minute-walk) |
| Parkings | 24 hours (fee-based) |
| Toilets | ○ Diaper changing areas available |
| Shops | ○ Small Shop serving alcoholic beverages (11:00~Sunset) Drink vending machines available (Anytime) Light meal concession stand (9:00~17:00・Nov. – Feb. 9:30~16:30) |
| Playground Equipments | ○ Not many, but there is an athletic area. |
List of Hotels Nearby
For foreign visitors seeking a place to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and connect with nature and culture, we highly recommend a visit to Shakujii Park. Here, you can discover Tokyo’s charm from a fresh perspective, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage.
