Located in Tachikawa City, west of central Tokyo, Showa Kinen Park is one of the largest and most diverse public parks in the metropolitan area. While it is widely known for cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn, the park reveals a very different—and often overlooked—charm in winter. With wide open lawns dusted by frost, lingering ginkgo leaves glowing in soft sunlight, and a warm greenhouse filled with tropical plants, Showa Kinen Park proves that winter can be one of the most rewarding seasons to visit.
A Park Created for the People
Showa Kinen Park opened in 1983 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa’s reign. Built on the former site of a U.S. military base, the park was designed as a space where nature, recreation, and everyday life could coexist. Covering nearly 180 hectares, it offers gardens, forests, ponds, cycling paths, and cultural facilities that invite visitors to spend an entire day outdoors.
Unlike smaller urban parks, Showa Kinen Park emphasizes openness. Long sightlines, gentle slopes, and expansive lawns create a feeling of freedom that is rare in Tokyo. This sense of space becomes especially striking in winter, when crowds thin and the landscape feels calm and spacious.
Winter Grasslands and Frosty Mornings
Winter mornings in Showa Kinen Park are quiet and refreshing. Frost often settles on the grass, creating delicate white patterns that sparkle under the low winter sun. Joggers, photographers, and early walkers move slowly across the park, enjoying the crisp air and wide views. Without dense foliage, the park’s structure becomes more visible—trees stand clearly against the sky, and distant paths feel inviting rather than hidden.
One of the park’s most iconic scenes is the remaining ginkgo leaves scattered across open areas. Unlike peak autumn foliage, winter ginkgo leaves lie gently on the ground, forming soft golden carpets that contrast beautifully with bare branches. These subtle landscapes attract visitors who prefer quiet observation over dramatic seasonal crowds.
Warmth Inside: The Greenhouse and Cultural Spaces
A highlight of winter visits is the Showa Kinen Park Greenhouse. Stepping inside feels like entering another climate entirely. Tropical flowers, cacti, and vibrant greenery provide warmth and color, making the greenhouse a favorite stop for families and anyone looking to escape the cold. The contrast between winter outside and summer-like conditions inside creates a unique seasonal experience.
Nearby indoor facilities and cafés also make winter visits comfortable. Visitors can warm up with hot drinks before heading back outside, creating a gentle rhythm of movement and rest that suits the slower pace of the season.
Seasonal Joy Beyond Winter
Although winter is peaceful, Showa Kinen Park remains enjoyable year-round.
- Spring brings cherry blossoms and flower festivals.
- Summer offers cycling routes, water features, and shaded forest paths.
- Autumn fills the park with vivid red and gold foliage.
Winter, however, stands apart for its quiet beauty. It invites visitors to appreciate space, light, and subtle change rather than dramatic color.
A Park That Welcomes All Seasons
Showa Kinen Park reminds visitors that nature does not disappear in winter—it simply becomes quieter. For those who believe parks are only for warm months, a winter visit offers a fresh perspective. The park’s vast scale, gentle landscapes, and welcoming facilities make it an ideal destination for anyone seeking calm, clarity, and a slower way to enjoy Tokyo.
Whether walking across frost-covered grass, admiring fallen ginkgo leaves, or warming up among tropical plants, Showa Kinen Park shows that winter, too, has its own beauty—waiting patiently to be noticed.
More Information
Showa Kinen Park（昭和記念公園）
3173 Midori-cho,
Tachikawa City, Tokyo
Access
- JR Chūō Line: Tachikawa Station (10–15 min walk)
- Multiple park entrances available
Admission
Adults: ¥450
Children & Seniors: Discounted / Free
Opening Hours
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Winter hours; varies by season)
Best Time to Visit
Winter mornings for frost scenery
Late autumn–early winter for ginkgo leaves
Year-round for the greenhouse