Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, I toured from central Tokyo to Showa Park on a Harley Sports Glide (FLSB). Showa Park is a national park created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa’s reign, and is located on a vast site approximately 40 times the size of Tokyo Dome, with a variety of flowers, nature, playgrounds, and cultural facilities. This time, I would like to introduce its charm.
Showa Kinen Park is a park built on the site of a former Japanese military airfield. The park opened in 1983 and will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2023. The park includes flower fields such as cherry blossoms, cosmos, and sunflowers, as well as natural areas such as a waterfowl pond and dragonfly wetland. There are also plenty of playgrounds, including a rainbow pool, water play area, dog run, and futsal court. Additionally, there are cultural facilities such as the Emperor Showa Memorial Hall and the Hanamidori Cultural Center. Various events are also held every season.
Route to Showa Kinen Park
This time, I took a bike ride from central Tokyo to Showa Kinen Park. The route looks like this:
From central Tokyo, take the Metropolitan Expressway No. 4 Shinjuku Line, head west, take the Chuo Expressway and the Chuo Loop Line, and exit at the Tachikawa Interchange. Head north of Tachikawa Station using National Route 20 and Tachikawa City Road, then head west along Showa Kinen Koen Dori to enter Akishima City. After heading south on the Akishima City Road Akishima Station South Exit Line, turn right at the intersection in front of the Showa Kinen Park West Exit and arrive at the Showa Park West Exit.
This route covered about 40 kilometers and took about an hour. On the way, I used expressways such as the Metropolitan Expressway and the Chuo Expressway, but there were no traffic jams. Also, on general roads such as National Route 20 and Tachikawa City Road, there were a lot of traffic lights and traffic, so I couldn’t drive fast, but I was able to ride smoothly with the small turns and overtaking that only a motorcycle can do. As I approached Showa Park, I could see the lush green scenery and wide open sky. When I arrived at the west exit of Showa Park, I felt refreshed.
Highlights of Showa Kinen Park
There are many things to see at Showa Kinen Park. There are three things I particularly recommend:
[ flower garden ] The flower and tree garden is an area in the center of Showa Park where about 200 types of flowers and trees are planted. Colorful flowers bloom in each season. Especially in spring, cherry blossoms, tulips, and nemophila are spectacular. The flower and tree garden also has an exhibition building and a shop. Exhibitions and workshops related to flowers and trees will be held in the exhibition building. Flowers, seedlings, gardening supplies, etc. will be sold at the shop.
[ Everyone’s field ] Minna no Harappa is an area located in the northwest of Showa Park, and is a vast grassy field. The approximately 14 hectare site also includes a naughty play area where dogs can enjoy as well as a cycling course. In addition, cosmos fields bloom in autumn. You can enjoy picnics and barbecues at Minna-no-Field. Rental equipment is also available.
[ Japanese garden ] The Japanese Garden is an area in the southeast of Showa Park and is a traditional Japanese garden. The approximately 11-hectare site includes ponds, waterfalls, bridges, and lanterns. At the Japanese garden, you can enjoy the beauty of each season. The autumn leaves are especially beautiful. The Japanese garden also includes a tea ceremony hall and Kanfu-tei. At the tea room, you can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets. At Kanfutei, you can see exhibits of Japanese paintings and calligraphy.
Showa Kinen Park motorcycle parking lot
Showa Kinen Park has four entrances. Each has a bike parking lot. Motorcycle parking is free of charge. However, there is a limit on the number of cars at each entrance. Also, the opening and closing times vary depending on the entrance. Below is information about the motorcycle parking lots at each entrance.
Tachikawa Exit is the northeast entrance to Showa Park. The motorcycle parking lot is located right next to the Tachikawa exit. The number of motorcycle parking spaces is approximately 30. The Tachikawa Exit is open and closed from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
[ Nishitachi Kawaguchi ] Nishitachi Kawaguchi is the southwest entrance to Showa Park. The motorcycle parking lot is located right next to the Nishitachi Kawaguchi. The number of motorcycle parking spaces is approximately 20. The Nishitachi Kawaguchi opening and closing hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
[ Akishima mouth ] Akishimaguchi is the entrance to Showa Park on the southwest side. Motorcycle parking is located right next to Akishima Exit. The number of motorcycle parking spaces is approximately 40. Akishima Exit is open and closed from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
[ Akebono’s mouth ] Akebonoguchi is the entrance to Showa Park on the southeast side. The motorcycle parking lot is right next to Akebono-guchi. The number of motorcycle parking spaces is approximately 20. Opening and closing hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
summary
This time, I toured from central Tokyo to Showa Kinen Park on a Harley Sports Glide (FLSB). Showa Kinen Park is a national park that is rich in flowers and nature, as well as playgrounds and cultural facilities. Showa Kinen Park has four entrances, but there are motorcycle parking lots at all of them, and although there is a fee, it is cheaper than a regular car and costs about 250 yen. However, please note that each entrance has opening/closing times and restrictions on the number of vehicles. Showa Park is a place where you can feel a sense of accomplishment and feel good when you go by bike. Please come and visit us at least once.
