Guida
Asukayama Park is a public park located in Kita-ku, Tokyo. Its history began in the Edo period when the 8th Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, ordered the planting of cherry trees, and the area 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 Old Shibusawa Family Residence (Bankoro and Seien Bunko), an Important Cultural Property, and three specialized museums: the Kita-ku Asukayama Museum, the Paper Museum, and the Shibusawa Historical Museum. The park features a gentle elevation of about 25 meters, and a monorail (slope car) is available for easy movement throughout the grounds.
The park's history dates back to 1720 with the cherry tree cultivation by Tokugawa Yoshimune. In 1879, the influential businessman Eiichi Shibusawa established his villa here. Following his will, the residence was donated to the Ryomon-sha in 1933. The park has grown alongside Japan's modernization, including the development of athletic fields in 1927. Within the park, you 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 'Funaotsu O Monument'. Additionally, the site contains the Asukayama Kofun cluster, which includes more than five ancient burial mounds from the late Kofun period.
The park offers numerous historical and cultural exhibits. The 'Paper Museum' is one of the world's leading institutions dedicated to paper-related materials. Other notable sites include the 'Shibusawa Historical Museum,' which houses documents related to Eiichi Shibusawa, and the 'Kita-ku Asukayama Museum,' which focuses on local history. For outdoor enthusiasts, the park preserves historic railway vehicles, such as the JNR Class D51 steam locomotive (No. 853) and the Tokyo City Tram Class 6000 (No. 6080). Visitors can also enjoy a stroll past the 'Statue of the Goddess of Peace' and various historical stone monuments that serve as scenic walking routes.
Asukayama Park is a premier destination during cherry blossom season, boasting approximately 650 cherry trees (mainly Somei Yoshino). The park's operating hours are 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM from March 1st to November 30th, and 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM from December 1st to the end of February. While the park itself is generally open-access, access to specific areas like the Old Shibusawa Garden may be restricted based on museum closing days or specific operational rules. During the summer, dedicated areas for water play are also available.
To navigate the park easily, you can ride the 'Asuka Park Rail' (monorail), which allows you to reach the top of the hill without climbing slopes. The playground area features large castle-themed play structures, sandboxes, swings, and slides, alongside the displays of steam locomotives and trams. At the Observation Plaza, you can watch Shinkansen and regular trains pass by from a viewing deck. For breaks, several cafes and shops like 'my me mine,' 'APOREN MARK,' and the 'Shibusawa x Kita-ku Asukayama Souvenir Shop' are available for refreshments and shopping.
The park is conveniently located near Oji Station on the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line and the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line. It is also within walking distance of the Oji-Ekimae or Asukayama stops on the Tokyo Sakura Tram (formerly Toden Arakawa Line). The surrounding neighborhood is a blend of residential areas and cultural sites filled with historical buildings and museums.
While the park is generally open, please check the specific hours for museums and the Old Shibusawa Garden. Since the park includes slopes and playground areas, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. If using the water play area, please note that pets and children in diapers are prohibited. Additionally, eating, smoking, and bringing pets into the Old Shibusawa Garden area is strictly prohibited.