A Perfect Day in Tokyo 5/2022

_{Discover something new in a verdant community}
Shakujii Park and the Surrounding Area (Nerima-ku)

You can ride boats on Shakujii Pond
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In Nerima-ku, there are about 690 parks and green spaces, the largest number among Tokyo’s 23 special wards. One of them is Shakujii Park, which stretches from east to west to surround two ponds, with the east and west sides completely different in atmosphere.
The Shakujii Pond area on the east side of the park near Shakujii-koen Station features a range of recreational facilities, such as boat rentals and an outdoor stage. It is a very open space that allows you to spend a leisurely time viewing the greenery and seasonal flowers. On the other hand, the Sanpoji Pond area on the west side is covered by trees. Walking on paths around the pond will make you almost forget that you are in the city. Some rare aquatic plants and birds that live near bodies of water can also be seen, and if you are lucky, you may come across a common kingfisher.
To the southeast of Sanpoji Pond, you will find the Shakujii-jo Castle ruins. From outside the fence, check out the remnants of the center of the castle. The park also preserves old gravesites called himezuka (princess mound) and tonozuka (lord mound) from the legend of the fall of Shakujii-jo Castle. It may be fun to stroll around the park thinking about how this peaceful, quiet place once staged historical events.
A place you definitely should stop by is the Nerima Shakujiikoen Furusato Museum located adjacent to the park. It opened in 2010 to allow visitors to learn about the history, culture, and nature of Nerima-ku in an enjoyable way. The permanent exhibition room in the facility alone is worth a look. Displays are presented in chronological order, including a corner showing the life and townscape of the Showa era and a multiplane camera that was used to shoot many classic animated films. You might get so engrossed in the exhibits that you lose track of time. It is also recommended that you spend some time in the Old Uchida Family House, a thatch-roofed local farm house built in the Meiji era, which was relocated and reconstructed next to the museum.
Have a pleasant day in the bright fresh verdure of spring.

Reproduction of a Showa-style living room

Alight at Shakujii-koen Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. Shakujii Park is located 7 minutes on foot from the station. 

[Tokyo Metropolitan Shakujii Park Service Center]
Phone: 03-3996-3950.
Open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (except during the year-end and New Year period).
Website (external link).

[Nerima Shakujiikoen Furusato Museum]
Phone: 03-3996-4060.
Open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Closed on Mondays (the following weekday if Monday falls on a national holiday) and during the year-end and New Year period. An exhibition on “Life in Nerima in the Early Showa Era” is being held until June 5th.
Website (external link).

*This article is also available in other languages. (日本語／中文／한국어)