Showa Commemorative National Government Park, Tokyo Complete Guide|Flowers in Four Seasons, Access, and Attractions Summary
Showa Commemorative National Government Park is a representative national government park in Japan, spanning Tachikawa City and Akishima City in Tokyo. Built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Showa Emperor’s reign, this park has become an oasis in the city with vast grounds covering approximately 180 hectares (equivalent to about 39 Tokyo Domes), featuring flowers throughout the seasons, diverse recreational facilities, and cultural facilities.
This article provides a thorough explanation of the appeal of Showa Commemorative National Government Park and delivers practical information useful for those planning to visit.
Overview of Showa Commemorative National Government Park
The Origin and History of the Park
Showa Commemorative National Government Park was established by cabinet decision in November 1979 (Showa 54) as part of the “50th Anniversary of the Showa Emperor’s Reign Commemorative Project.” Utilizing the former site of Tachikawa Airfield, the park was developed with the theme of “recovery of greenery and advancement of humanity.”
The first phase of the park (70.8 hectares) opened on October 26, 1983 (Showa 58), and has continued to expand in stages. Today, with approximately 180 hectares of vast grounds, it has become a representative place of relaxation in Tokyo, attracting approximately 4 million visitors annually as a national government park.
Basic Information
Location:
- 〒190-0014 Midori-cho 3173, Tachikawa City, Tokyo
- Located across both Tachikawa City and Akishima City
Opening Hours:
- March 1 – October 31: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, April 1 – September 30: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- November 1 – end of February: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Midori Culture Zone (free area): 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed Days:
- Year-end and New Year (December 31 and January 1)
- The fourth Monday of January and the following day
Admission Fees:
- Adults (15 years and older): 450 yen
- Seniors (65 years and older): 210 yen
- Middle school students and younger: free
- Annual Passport: 4,500 yen for adults, 2,100 yen for seniors
Major Facilities and Area Guide in the Park
Showa Commemorative National Government Park is divided into 5 major zones, each with its own unique charm.
Midori Culture Zone
Located on the north side of the park, this is a free area that serves as the gateway to Showa Commemorative National Government Park, with cultural facilities gathered here.
Showa Emperor Memorial Museum:
An exhibition facility introducing the 87-year life of the Showa Emperor through photographs, videos, and related items. Valuable historical materials documenting the Showa era are on display.
Flower and Greenery Culture Center:
A facility providing information about the park and hosting planned exhibitions, with a gallery and café also available.
Forest Zone
A naturally rich area on the west side of the park, with forest spaces recreating the mixed deciduous forests of Musashino.
Children’s Forest:
A popular area for children, featuring large play equipment such as “Rainbow Hammock,” a mist fountain, and Tarzan ropes, allowing children to play freely in nature.
Wampaku Playground:
Large play equipment such as Cloud Sea, Sun Pyramid, and Dragon Sand Hill inspire adventurous spirits.
Plaza Zone
Located in the central part of the park, this area is characterized by open spaces.
Everyone’s Meadow:
A vast lawn covering approximately 1 km east-west and 200 m north-south, where visitors can freely enjoy picnicking, ball games, and kite flying. In the center stands a large zelkova tree, the park’s symbol, which is also popular as a meeting spot.
Ravine Plaza:
A 1.5 km-long ravine flows through, where water play is enjoyable. During summer, the area is busy with families.
Water Zone
Located on the east side of the park, this area offers water landscape viewing opportunities.
Water Bird Pond:
A pond covering approximately 8 hectares where boating is available. Various types of boats can be rented, including rowboats, cycle boats, and pedal boats.
Japanese Garden:
A full-scale Japanese garden arranged as a strolling garden with pond, offering seasonal scenery. The autumn foliage season is particularly spectacular.
Exhibition Facility Zone
Flowering Tree Garden:
Features various flowering trees such as plum, cherry, and dogwood, offering different floral views for each season.
Bonsai Garden:
Approximately 60 bonsai are on display, allowing visitors to appreciate the traditional Japanese art of bonsai.
Komorebi no Sato:
An area recreating rural Musashino village scenery from the 1950s, with traditional farmhouses and fields, and agricultural experience events also held here.
Seasonal Flower Viewing Spots and Best Viewing Periods
One of the greatest attractions of Showa Commemorative National Government Park is the diverse flowers that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Spring Flowers (March – May)
Plum Blossoms (late February – mid-March):
The Flower Tree Garden Plum Grove contains approximately 100 plum trees, with white and red plums signaling early spring.
Cherry Blossoms (late March – early April):
The park is planted with approximately 1,500 cherry trees of about 30 varieties. From Somei Yoshino to Yamato Cherry and Weeping Cherry, varieties bloom sequentially, allowing flower viewing enjoyment for extended periods.
Tulips (early – mid-April):
The “Tulip Garden” in Ravine Plaza features approximately 230,000 tulips blooming in vibrant colors. With a wide variety of cultivars, a flower carpet-like spectacular vista spreads out.
Rape Blossoms (late March – mid-April):
Approximately 150,000 rape blossoms spread like a yellow carpet, bringing the feeling of spring.
Nemophila (mid-April – early May):
The “Flower Hill” is painted blue by approximately 4.5 million nemophila flowers. The sight of sky blue and nemophila blue blending together is spectacular.
Summer Flowers (June – August)
Hydrangea (early – late June):
Approximately 9,300 hydrangea plants bloom throughout the park, coloring the rainy season.
Sunflowers (late July – mid-August):
Approximately 50,000 sunflowers bloom in the “Flower Hill” and around “Sunagawa Entrance,” showing their energetic appearance rivaling the summer sun.
Sagiso (late July – mid-August):
In the Sagiso field of the Flower Tree Garden, delicate flowers resembling a white heron spreading its wings bloom.
Autumn Flowers (September – November)
Cosmos (mid-September – late October):
The cosmos represents autumn at Showa Commemorative National Government Park, with approximately 5.5 million cosmos coloring the grounds. In the “Flower Hill,” a spectacular vista spreads with the entire hill dyed pink.
Yellow Cosmos (early – mid-September):
Vibrant orange yellow cosmos signal the arrival of autumn earlier.
Ginkgo Tree Lined Avenue (early – late November):
Along both sides of the Tachikawa Entrance Canal, 98 ginkgo trees create a 200-meter stretch, forming a golden tunnel. During peak autumn color, “Autumn Leaf Festival” is held, attracting many visitors.
Autumn Foliage (early – late November):
Throughout the park, including the Japanese Garden, Japanese maple, maple, and dawn redwood display beautiful autumn colors.
Winter Flowers (December – February)
Daffodils (late December – early February):
Approximately 150,000 daffodils bloom, adding color to the winter park.
Plum Blossoms (mid-February – early March):
In the Plum Grove, plum flowers begin blooming early spring, giving a sense of the season’s arrival.
Christmas Rose (January – March):
In the Flower Tree Garden, the delicate flowers of the Christmas rose, called the winter lady, bloom.
Annual Event Calendar
Throughout the year, Showa Commemorative National Government Park hosts diverse events timed to match the peak seasons of seasonal flowers.
Spring Events
Flower Festival (late March – late May):
A limited-period event enjoying spring flowers including cherry blossoms, tulips, rape blossoms, and nemophila. Concerts and workshops are also held on weekends.
Summer Events
Summer Festival (mid-July – late August):
A major event held during summer vacation, featuring the Rainbow Pool (Kanto’s largest leisure pool), fireworks, and extended evening hours.
Rainbow Pool:
A large pool operating from mid-July to early September, featuring 9 pools and 4 water slides.
Autumn Events
Cosmos Festival (mid-September – late October):
Held during the period when approximately 5.5 million cosmos bloom, with cosmos picking experiences and other activities.
Autumn Leaf Festival (early – late November):
An event enjoying the golden foliage of the ginkgo lined avenue and autumn colors of the Japanese Garden, with illumination also provided.
Winter Events
Winter Vista Illumination (early December – early January):
The Kanto region’s largest illumination event, featuring a tower made from approximately 15,000 champagne glasses and a light tunnel, creating a fantastical world of light.
Access Methods and Parking Information
Access by Train
Showa Commemorative National Government Park has multiple entrances, allowing visitors to choose the nearest station according to their destination.
Tachikawa Entrance (Main Gate):
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot from the north exit of JR Chuo Line “Tachikawa Station”
- Approximately 13 minutes on foot from Tamagawa Urban Monorail “Tachikawa North Station”
Nishi-Tachikawa Entrance:
- Approximately 2 minutes on foot from JR Ome Line “Nishi-Tachikawa Station” (closest entrance to station)
Akishima Entrance:
- Approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Ome Line “Higashi-Nakagami Station”
Tamagawa Josui Entrance:
- Approximately 25 minutes on foot from Seibu Hanjima Line “Musashi Sunagawa Station” (somewhat distant)
Sunagawa Entrance:
- Approximately 20 minutes on foot from Seibu Hanjima Line “Musashi Sunagawa Station”
Access by Car
From Chuo Expressway:
- Approximately 8 km (approximately 30 minutes) from Chuo Expressway “Kokuritsu-Fuchu IC”
Parking Information:
The park has 3 parking lots.
Tachikawa Entrance Parking Lot:
- Regular cars: 1,755 spaces
- Large vehicles: 70 spaces
- Motorcycles/mopeds: 70 spaces
Nishi-Tachikawa Entrance Parking Lot:
- Regular cars: 345 spaces
- Large vehicles: none
- Motorcycles/mopeds: 40 spaces
Sunagawa Entrance Parking Lot:
- Regular cars: 431 spaces
- Large vehicles: 10 spaces
- Motorcycles/mopeds: 18 spaces
Parking Fees:
- Regular cars: 840 yen/day
- Large vehicles: 1,780 yen/day
- Motorcycles/mopeds: 260 yen/day
※During events and peak flower seasons (especially spring and autumn), parking lots become congested, so using public transportation is recommended.
Park Transportation and Rental Services
With its vast grounds, Showa Commemorative National Government Park provides transportation options for efficiently touring the park.
Bicycle Rental
The park features a cycling course approximately 14 km long, allowing visitors to leisurely tour the grounds by bicycle.
Bicycle Rental Fees:
- Adults (15 years and older): 430 yen for 3 hours, 530 yen for day pass
- Children (middle school and younger): 270 yen for 3 hours, 320 yen for day pass
- Tandem bicycles (2-person): 860 yen for 3 hours, 1,060 yen for day pass
Rental Locations:
Tachikawa, Nishi-Tachikawa, and Sunagawa Entrance Cycle Centers
Park Train
A paid train-type shuttle bus circulating through the park, connecting major attractions.
Fees:
- Single ride: 320 yen for adults (15 years and older), 160 yen for children (4 years old to elementary school), free for under 3
- All-day free pass: 520 yen for adults, 260 yen for children
Stations:
Tachikawa Entrance, Canal, Nishi-Tachikawa Entrance, Sunagawa Entrance, Children’s Forest, Japanese Garden Entrance, etc.
Walking Through the Park
For those with ample time, leisurely walking through the park is also recommended, allowing enjoyment of seasonal flowers and natural scenery while touring each area.
Dining Facilities and Restaurants in the Park
Multiple dining facilities are available within Showa Commemorative National Government Park for meals and breaks.
Restaurants and Cafés
Lakeside Restaurant:
Located beside Water Bird Pond, allowing diners to enjoy meals while viewing the pond scenery. The menu includes pasta, curry, and set meals.
Park Train Café:
A café near Tachikawa Entrance offering light meals, beverages, and sweets.
Japanese Garden Tea Room “Kanfūtei”:
A tea house within the Japanese Garden where visitors can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets while appreciating garden scenery.
Barbecue Garden
Two barbecue areas within the park offer hand-free barbecue plans (reservation required).
Undō Plaza Barbecue Garden:
- Operating period: March – November
- Both bring-your-own-ingredients and hand-free plans available
Ravine Plaza Barbecue Garden:
- Operating period: March – November
- Barbecuing while hearing the creek murmur is available
Shops and Food Trucks
Shops and food trucks throughout the park sell light meals, beverages, and ice cream. Especially on weekends and during events, diverse food trucks offer various cuisine options.
Sports and Recreation Facilities
Various sports and activities can be enjoyed at Showa Commemorative National Government Park.
Boating
At Water Bird Pond, various boat types can be rented, including rowboats, cycle boats, and pedal boats.
Fees:
- Rowboat (3-person): 730 yen for 60 minutes
- Cycle boat (2-person): 730 yen for 30 minutes
- Pedal boat (2-person): 530 yen for 30 minutes
Disc Golf
A frisbee golf game enjoyable by beginners.
Futsal Court
Two artificial turf futsal courts are available by reservation.
Dog Run
A dog run is available for enjoying time with your pet (registration-based).
Precautions When Visiting and Useful Information
Clothing and Items to Bring
- Walking shoes are recommended due to the vast grounds
- In summer, bring hat, sunscreen, and beverages due to strong sunlight
- Clothing adaptable to temperature changes is recommended in spring and autumn
- A leisure sheet is helpful for leisurely spending time on the grass
Peak Congestion Periods
- Cherry blossom season (late March – early April)
- Golden Week
- Cosmos peak season (late September – mid-October)
- Ginkgo tree foliage season (mid – late November)
- Weekends and holidays
During these periods, visiting in the morning is recommended to avoid crowds.
Barrier-Free Information
The park is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Complimentary wheelchair rental service is available (reception at each gate).
Pets
Pet entry is allowed but leashing is mandatory. Some facilities (Japanese Garden, Komorebi no Sato, etc.) are off-limits for pets.
Combining with Surrounding Tourist Attractions
The area surrounding Showa Commemorative National Government Park has other appealing attractions.
IKEA Tachikawa
Located about 10 minutes by car from the park, offering shopping and dining.
Lalaport Tachikawa-Tachihi
A large shopping mall convenient for visiting before or after the park.
Tachikawa Manga Park
A facility with approximately 40,000 readable manga, recommended as an alternative plan for rainy days.
Benefits of Annual Passport
For frequent visitors, an annual passport is economical.
Annual Passport Fees:
- Adults (15 years and older): 4,500 yen (equivalent to 10 single admissions)
- Seniors (65 years and older): 2,100 yen (equivalent to 10 single admissions)
Benefits:
- Unlimited admission for one year
- Parking fee discount (regular cars 840 yen → 630 yen)
- Park Train all-day free pass discount
- Preferential services at partner facilities
Photography Spots and Instagram-Worthy Locations
Showa Commemorative National Government Park is popular among photography enthusiasts due to its beautiful seasonal scenery.
Recommended Photography Spots
Tachikawa Entrance Canal:
A 200-meter water channel lined with ginkgo trees on both sides creates a golden tunnel in autumn. The reflection in the water is also beautiful, making it an excellent photography spot.
Flower Hill:
Spring’s nemophila and autumn’s cosmos cover the hill seasonally in spectacular displays. The panoramic view from the hilltop is impressive.
Japanese Garden:
A full-scale strolling garden with pond, offering seasonal scenery. Autumn foliage is particularly beautiful, with reflections in the water creating serene Japanese-style photographs.
Large Zelkova Tree on Everyone’s Meadow:
The park’s symbol tree is striking when photographed against blue sky.
Park’s Environmental Conservation Efforts
Showa Commemorative National Government Park implements various environmental preservation activities under the theme “recovery of greenery and advancement of humanity.”
Biodiversity Conservation
Approximately 3,000 plant species and approximately 100 bird species are confirmed within the park, contributing to urban biodiversity conservation.
Environmental Learning Programs
Natural observation sessions and environmental learning programs for children are regularly held, functioning as environmental education venues.
Sustainable Park Management
Pruning waste is chipped and fallen leaves are composted, implementing plant resource circulation within the park.
Related Works and Cultural Influence
Due to its beautiful scenery, Showa Commemorative National Government Park has served as a filming location for numerous dramas, films, and commercials. It is also popular as subject matter for photograph collections and paintings, appearing in many artistic works.
The ginkgo lined avenue and cosmos hill are particularly known as “Instagram-worthy spots” due to their overwhelming beauty, attracting many visitors.
Conclusion: Maximizing Enjoyment of Showa Commemorative National Government Park
Showa Commemorative National Government Park is a precious space within Tokyo where visitors can enjoy vast nature and seasonal flowers. Its diversity appeals to families, couples, friends, and solo visitors alike.
When visiting, check the peak seasons of seasonal flowers, select entrances according to your objectives, and plan to efficiently tour the vast park. Using bicycle rentals or the park train allows enjoyment of more areas.
With various events held throughout the year, new discoveries await on each visit to Showa Commemorative National Government Park. For those wishing to connect with nature in Tokyo, enjoy seasonal flowers, or spend active family time, this is a must-visit spot.
Latest event information and flower bloom status are continuously updated on the official website, so checking before visiting is recommended. Away from urban hustle and bustle, spend time refreshing body and mind in the verdant Showa Commemorative National Government Park.
