Enjoy a Leisurely Fall Stroll through a City Park
In this issue we will introduce Shinagawa City's most representative parks so that you'll be ready for the peak of the autumn colors. Why not enjoy a relaxing stroll in natural surroundings?
1. Togoshi Park
This park is very representative of Shinagawa City, constructed using the remaining garden at the suburban residence of the Hosokawa clan, feudal lords during the Edo period (1603–1867) from the Higo region (present Kumamoto Prefecture). The park's circular promenade borders a pond and passes a ravine, a waterfall, and a manmade mountain. The front gate, known as Yakui-mon; east gate, known as Kabuki-mon; and other structures still display traces of the clan's garden. The trees include plums, cherry blossoms, rhododendrons, and ginkgos.
Address: 2-1-30 Yutakacho
How to get there: A seven-minute walk from Togoshi-Koen Station or Shimoshinmei Station
Tel: 3782-8819 (Togoshi Park Maintenance Office)
2. Bunko-no Mori
Established on the former site of the National Institute of Japanese Literature, this park was like Togoshi Park originally a part of the suburban residence of the Hosokawa clan, feudal lords from the Higo region (present Kumamoto Prefecture). There are a lot of trees, including cherry trees; a pond; and the former Mitsui Bunko (Mitsui Library), a valuable building of the Taisho period (1912–26). In addition, this park serves as an evacuation site in the event of a disaster and is equipped with various disaster relief features, such as emergency toilets.
Address: 1-16-23 Yutakacho
How to get there: A five-minute walk from Togoshi-Koen Station
Tel: 3782-8819 (Togoshi Park Maintenance Office)
3. Ikedayama Park
Ikedayama Park is full of beautiful views constructed from the former suburban residence of the Okayama Ikeda feudal clan. In a style of Japanese garden with a pond in the center that makes use of the sloping landscape, there is play equipment and a rest zone in the raised area and an excursion zone in the lowland area. Located in a quiet residential area, the park offers residents beautiful flowers in every season.
Address: 5-4-35 Higashi-Gotanda
How to get there: A 15-minute walk from either Gotanda or Meguro Station
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Closed at 6:00 p.m. in July and August)
Tel: 3447-4676 (Ikedayama Park Maintenance Office)
4. Shinagawa Kumin Park
Shinagawa Kumin Park is the largest and most comprehensive municipal park in Shinagawa City, and many residents love its refreshing atmosphere and the chance to roam wide-open spaces and enjoy seasonal flowers, beautiful waterside, and natural greenery. The park is attached to Shinagawa Aquarium, and there are also an area for day camping, a fishing hole, and a place to rent bicycles. With 130 plum trees and 400 cherry trees, the park is bustling with people during spring flower-viewing season.
Address: 3-2-2 Katsushima
How to get there: A five-minute walk from Tachiaigawa Station or Omori Kaigan Station
Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tel: 3762-0655 (Shinagawa Kumin Koen Maintenance Office)
5. Omori Shell Mounds Park
This park featuring the shell mound excavated in 1877 by Dr. Edward Morse, an American zoologist, is called "the birthplace of Japanese archeology." In addition to a shell layer specimen, there is a learning area and a hands-on area where you can learn about the Jomon period and the shell mounds of Omori.
Address: 6-21-6 Oi
How to get there: A five-minute walk from Omori Station
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Note: Closed at 6:00 p.m. in July and August and 4:00 p.m. from November through February
Tel: 3777-4060 (Shinagawa Historical Museum)
6. Shinagawa Chuo Park
Situated in the center of Shinagawa City, Shinagawa Chuo Park is also located right in front of the Shinagawa City Office. The park has a sports area (including a multipurpose facility and tennis courts that you can use for a fee); an area with a fountain, rock garden, etc.; Trim Plaza, equipped with health apparatus; and an area geared for children.
Address: 1-27/28/20 Nishi-Shinagawa
How to get there: An eight-minute walk from Oimachi Station; a five-minute walk from Shimoshinmei Station
Tel: 5740-5037 (Park Maintenance Office); 5742-6838 (Sports Subsection, Culture and Sports Promotion Section; for use of the multipurpose area); 5791-3553 (Park motion facilities reservation center [the General Gym] for use of the tennis courts and meeting rooms)
7. Rinshi no Mori Park
Once the forest industry testing facility of the Forestry Agency, this area was transformed into a park in 1989. An oasis for people who love nature, Rinshi no Mori Park has many wild birds, a gigantic tree over a hundred years old, and other rare trees. The park also has activities and places that children can enjoy, such as camping lessons and a facility where they can play in the water.
Address: Koyamadai 2-chome
How to get there: A ten-minute walk from Musashi-Koyama Station
Tel: 3792-3800 (Rinshi no Mori Park Service Center)
