Guide
Asukayama Park is a public park located in Kita City, Tokyo. Its history dates back to the Edo period when the 8th Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, ordered the planting of cherry trees, and the park was opened to the public in 1737. In 1873, it was designated as one of Japan's first public parks. The park is home to the former Shibusawa Family Residence (Bankoro and Choen Bunko), a designated Important Cultural Property, and three specialized museums: the Kita City Asukayama Museum, the Paper Museum, and the Shibusawa Historical Museum. The park sits on a gentle hill about 25 meters above sea level, and a convenient monorail (slope car) is available for easy movement around the grounds.
The park's history is deeply rooted in the 1720s with the cherry blossom cultivation by Tokugawa Yoshimune. In 1879, the famous industrialist Eiichi Shibusawa established his villa here. Following his wishes, the residence was donated to the Ryumonsha organization in 1933. The park has evolved alongside Japan's modernization, including the development of sports grounds in 1927 in anticipation of the Tokyo Olympics. Visitors can find several historical stone monuments, such as the 'Asukayama Monument' from the Edo period, the 'Sakura no Fu Monument' from the Meiji era, and the 'Futsu Okina Monument.' Additionally, the area contains the Asukayama Kofun cluster, which includes more than five ancient burial mounds from the late Kofun period.
The park offers a wealth of historical and cultural exhibits. The Paper Museum, one of the world's leading institutions for paper-related studies, showcases a vast collection of documents. Other notable sites include the Shibusawa Historical Museum, dedicated to the life of Eiichi Shibusawa, and the Kita City Asukayama Museum, which focuses on local history. For railway enthusiasts, the park features outdoor displays of vintage rail vehicles, including the JNR Class D51 steam locomotive (No. 853) and the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau Class 6000 electric train (No. 6080). Walking paths are also marked by various monuments and statues, such as the 'Statue of the Goddess of Peace' and the 'Asukayama Monument.'
Asukayama Park is a premier destination during cherry blossom season, featuring approximately 650 cherry trees (primarily Somei Yoshino). The park's operating hours are 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM from March 1 to November 30, and 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM from December 1 to the end of February. While the park grounds are generally open to the public at all times, access to specific facilities like the former Shibusawa Garden may be restricted based on museum closing days or specific operational rules. During the summer, water play areas are often set up for children.
For easy navigation, you can ride the 'Asuka Park Rail,' a monorail that allows you to reach the top of the hill without climbing the slopes. The playground area features large equipment shaped like a castle, sandboxes, swings, and slides, alongside the outdoor steam locomotive and streetcar displays. At the Observation Deck, you can enjoy a view of Shinkansen and regular trains passing by. For breaks, you can visit cafes and restaurants such as 'my me mine' or 'APOREN MARK,' or shop for souvenirs at the 'Shibusawa x Kita Asukayama Souvenir Hall.'
The park is conveniently located near Oji Station, served by the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line and the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line. It is also within walking distance of the Oji-mae or Asukayama stops on the Tokyo Sakura Tram (formerly Toden Arakawa Line). The surrounding area is a charming blend of residential neighborhoods and cultural landmarks.
While the park is open to the public, please check the specific opening hours for the museums and the former Shibusawa Garden. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes as the park includes slopes and playground areas. If using the water play area, please note that children in diapers and pets are prohibited in certain sections. Additionally, eating, smoking, and bringing pets into the former Shibusawa Garden is strictly prohibited.