Complete Guide to Musashi Kyuryo Forest Park (Saitama Prefecture) | Access, Highlights, and Seasonal Enjoyment
About Musashi Kyuryo Forest Park
Musashi Kyuryo Forest Park is Japan’s first national park, spanning across Namikawa Town and Yanagii in Kumagaya City in Higashi District, Saitama Prefecture. As part of the Meiji Centennial Commemoration Project, it opened in July 1974 (Showa 49) and was substantially completed in March 1980 (Showa 55).
The vast grounds cover approximately 304 hectares (equivalent to about 65 Tokyo Domes) and are characterized by a design that makes use of the natural topography of the Hiki Northern Hills. Centered on mixed deciduous forests, it features diverse environments including ponds, marshes, and grasslands, creating a rich natural space where valuable plants and animals grow and inhabit.
Various facilities are scattered throughout the park, including athletic fields, a west entrance plaza, wild plant courses, adventure courses, urban greening botanical gardens, a dog run, and cycling courses. As a representative tourist destination in Saitama Prefecture where visitors can enjoy flowers and autumn foliage throughout the seasons, it welcomes many users year-round.
Basic Information for Musashi Kyuryo Forest Park
Operating Hours and Closure Days
The operating hours at Musashi Kyuryo Forest Park vary by season.
Opening Hours
- March 1 to October 31: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- November 1 to November 30: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- December 1 to end of February: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Closure Days
- Year-end and New Year holidays (December 31 and January 1)
- Third and fourth Mondays in January
※The park may close temporarily due to weather or facility maintenance, so we recommend checking the official website for the latest information.
Admission Fees
The admission fees for Musashi Kyuryo Forest Park are as follows.
Individual Admission
- Adults (high school students and older): 450 yen
- Seniors (65 and older): 210 yen
- Middle school students and younger: Free
Annual Passport
- Adults: 4,500 yen
- Seniors: 2,100 yen
The annual passport is valid for one year from the date of purchase and is economical for frequent visitors. Group discounts (20 or more people) and disability discounts are also available.
Access Methods
Access by Train and Bus
The nearest station to Musashi Kyuryo Forest Park is Shinrin Koen Station on the Tobu Tojo Line. It is approximately 60 minutes by express train from Ikebukuro Station.
- From the north exit of Shinrin Koen Station: Take the “Rissho University-bound” bus for approximately 7 minutes, get off at “Namikawa Junior High School,” then walk 5 minutes (to the Central Entrance)
- From the north exit of Shinrin Koen Station: Take the “Park South Entrance-bound” bus for approximately 7 minutes, get off at the final stop (South Entrance)
- From the south exit of Kumagaya Station: Take the “Shinrin Koen Station-bound” bus for approximately 30 minutes, get off at “Shinrin Koen West Entrance” (West Entrance)
Access by Car
- From “Higashimatsuyama IC” on the Kan-Etsu Expressway: Approximately 10 km (approximately 30 minutes)
- From “Ranzan-Ogawa IC” on the Kan-Etsu Expressway: Approximately 10 km (approximately 30 minutes)
Parking Information
Musashi Kyuryo Forest Park has three parking areas with a total capacity of approximately 1,600 vehicles.
Parking Fees
- Regular cars: 650 yen
- Large vehicles: 1,650 yen
- Motorcycles: 250 yen
Parking areas are located near each entrance (South, Central, West, and North), so using a parking lot closest to your destination area is convenient. Early arrival is recommended as parking can become crowded on holidays and during peak flower seasons.
Highlights and Facilities at Musashi Kyuryo Forest Park
Athletic Field
The athletic field is an area with expansive lawns where visitors can enjoy picnics, ball games, and frisbee. It’s the perfect spot for families and groups to spend leisure time.
The grass is well-maintained, allowing visitors to spread out a sheet for lunch or let children run freely. It offers an open space where you can fully appreciate nature surrounded by seasonal flowers and engage in active recreation.
West Entrance Plaza
The west entrance plaza is an area where seasonal flowers bloom beautifully. In particular, spring tulips and autumn cosmos are famous, with expansive flower gardens captivating visitors.
It is also a popular photo spot, with many visitors enjoying commemorative photography with colorful flowers as a backdrop. Benches are installed, allowing visitors to rest and enjoy the flowers in peace.
Musashi Kyuryo Forest Park Wanpaku Plaza
Wanpaku Plaza is extremely popular with children. It features various play equipment, including Japan’s largest air trampoline, “Ponpoko Mountain.”
Main Facilities and Equipment
- Ponpoko Mountain: A giant air trampoline approximately 30 meters in diameter
- Adventure Course: An area with extensive athletic equipment
- Musashi Kids Dome: A net play structure
- Water Play Area: Seasonal water play available in summer
Ponpoko Mountain is designed for elementary school children and younger, and the bouncy sensation is extremely popular with kids. During crowded times, numbered tickets may be distributed, so early use is recommended.
Wild Plant Course
The wild plant course is an area with approximately 300 species of wildflowers naturally growing and planted along a walking path of about 1 km. You can enjoy forest bathing while observing seasonal wildflowers.
Spring offers dogtooth violets and trillium, summer features Japanese turk’s cap lilies, and autumn brings gentians. You can enjoy different wildflowers in each season. This course is especially recommended for plant enthusiasts and those interested in nature observation.
Adventure Course
The adventure course is a full-fledged field athletic course with 24 different athletic structures. The approximately 1 km course allows you to enjoy yourself while moving your body.
With various difficulty levels of equipment including log walks, rope structures, and net climbing, it can be enjoyed by a wide age range from elementary school children to adults. Designed to take advantage of natural topography, it offers the feeling of adventures in the forest.
Urban Greening Botanical Garden
The urban greening botanical garden consists of park and ornamental tree specimen gardens, flowering tree specimen gardens, and maple gardens. With approximately 600 species of trees and plants, you can observe vegetation that serves as references for greening.
The maple garden is particularly noteworthy during autumn foliage season when approximately 20 species and 500 maple trees turn red and yellow, creating magnificent foliage scenery. A night illumination event called “Kouyou-mi Night” is held where visitors can enjoy fantastical nighttime foliage viewing.
Dog Run
Musashi Kyuryo Forest Park has a dog run where visitors can enjoy time with their pets. It is divided into a small dog area and a medium to large dog area, with design focused on safety.
In the spacious grassy area, you can allow your dog to play off-leash. Registration is required for use, and documentation such as rabies vaccination certificates must be presented.
Cycling Course
An extensive cycling course is maintained throughout the park for efficient movement and exploration. The full 17 km course can also be enjoyed as a challenging mountain bike course.
Bicycle rentals are available, including family 4-seater bicycles and electric-assist bicycles. Cycling through the park while visiting various locations is also a recommended way to enjoy it.
Bicycle Rental Rates (3 hours)
- Adult bicycle: 420 yen
- Children’s bicycle: 270 yen
- Electric-assist bicycle: 830 yen
BBQ Area and Restaurants
Musashi Kyuryo Forest Park has a barbecue area and two restaurants where visitors can enjoy meals.
BBQ Area
- Plans available for carefree barbecuing
- Reservation-based with food and equipment sets provided
- Covered areas available for use even in rainy weather
Restaurants
- Observation Restaurant: Located in a scenic spot offering light meals to full-course dishes
- Shops: Selling light meals, beverages, and ice cream
Seasonal Attractions and Enjoyment
Spring (March to May)
Spring at Musashi Kyuryo Forest Park is a vibrant season when various flowers bloom splendidly.
Main Highlights
- Plum blossoms (late February to early March): Plum grove with approximately 120 plum trees
- Adonis (February to March): Approximately 50,000 adonis flowers bloom in yellow
- Dogtooth violet (late March to early April): Observe delicate flowers on the wild plant course
- Tulips (April): Approximately 100,000 colorful tulips at the west entrance plaza
- Nemophila (April to May): Blue flower carpets spread across the area
- Lupins (May): Beautifully colored flower spikes
The April tulips are particularly spectacular, with various varieties creating a colorful flower garden that fascinates visitors as a spring tradition.
Summer (June to August)
Summer at the forest park is a season for enjoying lush green forest bathing and water play.
Main Highlights and Activities
- Japanese turk’s cap lily (July): Fragrant large flowers on the wild plant course
- Water play area: Cool water play at Wanpaku Plaza
- Forest bathing: Enjoy cool shade under the deciduous forest
- Cycling: Refreshing cycling through green tunnels
Since temperatures rise in summer, it’s important to take breaks in shaded areas and replenish water frequently. Don’t forget sun protection measures like hats and sunscreen.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn at Musashi Kyuryo Forest Park is a season of beautiful cosmos and autumn foliage.
Main Highlights
- Cosmos (September to October): Flower field with approximately 100,000 cosmos
- Autumn foliage (November): Approximately 500 maple trees in the maple garden turn red and yellow
- Kouyou-mi Night: Illuminated fantastical foliage scenery
- Celosia (September to October): Vibrant red and orange flowers
The November foliage season is particularly notable, with approximately 20 species of maple trees in the maple garden turning vivid red and yellow, creating spectacular scenery. During Kouyou-mi Night, illuminated foliage reflects on the water’s surface, creating a different fantastical atmosphere from daytime.
Winter (December to February)
Winter at the forest park is a quiet season where you can enjoy winter nature in a calm atmosphere.
Main Highlights
- Winter scenery: Fantastical landscapes when frost or snow falls
- Bird watching: Ideal for birdwatching as winter birds migrate here
- Camellia (December to March): Various varieties of camellia at the urban greening botanical garden
- Early blooming plums (February): Plum flowers that herald spring’s arrival
Winter is a season with fewer visitors where you can enjoy leisurely strolls. With proper winter clothing, enjoy peaceful forest walks and bird watching in the quiet forest.
Nearby Tourist Attractions and Accommodations
Forest Hotel
Near Musashi Kyuryo Forest Park, there is an accommodation facility called “Forest Hotel” (※Please note that this may be a fictional facility name, and we recommend confirming actual accommodations through official information).
After enjoying a full day at the park, resting at nearby accommodations allows you to continue enjoying tourism throughout Saitama Prefecture the next day.
Recommended Nearby Tourist Attractions
Tourist Sites in the Hiki Area
- Yoshimi Hyakuana: National historic site featuring Kofun-era horizontal burial chambers
- Hatoyama Town Agricultural Village Park: A park where seasonal flowers can be enjoyed
- Higashimatsuyama City Children’s Animal Nature Park: A facility offering interactions with animals
- Ranzan Gorge: Called the “Musashi Ranzan,” a famous autumn foliage destination
Kawagoe and Kumagaya Areas
- Kawagoe’s Storehouse District: Historic streetscapes of Little Edo Kawagoe
- Kumagaya Uchiwa Festival: One of Kanto’s three major summer festivals
Using Musashi Kyuryo Forest Park as a base to explore various tourist spots throughout Saitama Prefecture is also recommended.
Usage Notes and Helpful Information
Getting Around the Park
Since Musashi Kyuryo Forest Park covers an area equivalent to about 65 Tokyo Domes, it is difficult to visit all areas on foot alone. To enjoy the park efficiently, the following methods are recommended.
Recommended Transportation Methods
- Bicycle rental: The most efficient way to move around the park
- In-park bus (Segway): Tours select areas (check operating days and hours)
- Walking: For thoroughly enjoying specific areas
Checking the park map in advance and deciding which areas to visit beforehand allows for efficient exploration.
Clothing and Items
Recommended Clothing
- Easy-to-move-in clothing (when enjoying athletic courses or cycling)
- Comfortable walking shoes (such as sneakers)
- Season-appropriate cold or heat protection
Handy Items to Bring
- Picnic blanket (for picnicking on the lawn)
- Drinking water (vending machines also available in the park)
- Hat and sunscreen (summer)
- Insect repellent spray (summer)
- Camera (for photographing flowers and foliage)
- Bento lunch (for eating in the park)
Pet Accompaniment
Pets can enter the park with the following rules.
- Pets must be kept on a leash at all times
- Pet waste must be taken with you
- No entry into buildings
- Separate registration is required for dog run use
Be considerate to other visitors and follow park rules.
Congestion and Best Visiting Times
Musashi Kyuryo Forest Park experiences particularly heavy congestion during the following periods.
Busy Periods
- Spring tulip season (April)
- Golden Week
- Autumn cosmos and foliage season (October to November)
- Weekends and holidays
Relatively Quiet Periods
- Weekdays (especially Tuesday to Thursday)
- Winter season (December to February)
- Rainy season
For those wanting to avoid crowds, morning visits on weekdays are recommended. Also, visiting shortly after opening or before closing is relatively uncrowded.
Event Information
Throughout the year, various events are held at Musashi Kyuryo Forest Park.
Main Annual Events
- Early Spring Festival (February to March): Events coinciding with plum blossoms and adonis blooming
- Spring Flower Festival (April to May): Tulip and nemophila peak season
- Tanabata Festival (July): Events including wish-tag decorations
- Cosmos and Autumn Flower Festival (September to October)
- Kouyou-mi Night (November): Illumination event
- Christmas Events (December)
Details and dates for events are available on the official website. Visiting during seasonal events allows for even greater enjoyment.
Summary
Musashi Kyuryo Forest Park (Saitama Prefecture) is Saitama Prefecture’s representative tourist destination, featuring abundant natural environment and diverse facilities across its 304-hectare grounds as Japan’s first national park.
With seasonal flowers and foliage, athletic courses and cycling, BBQ and other attractions enjoyable by all ages from children to adults, the park is filled with charm. With good accessibility from central Tokyo, it is close enough for day trips.
Spring tulips, summer greenery and water play, autumn cosmos and foliage, and winter quiet nature observation—the forest park displays a different face each season. No matter how many times you visit, there are always new discoveries waiting.
Whether for family picnics, active days with friends, or couple dates, Musashi Kyuryo Forest Park is versatile for various occasions. Why not visit and refresh yourself in this vast natural setting?
Please check the official website for the latest operating hours, event information, and temporary closure notices before visiting.
