Sendai Horikawa Park, Koto Ward, Tokyo | Complete Guide to the Appeal and Ways to Enjoy One of Tokyo’s Largest Waterfront Parks
Sendai Horikawa Park, which runs east to west through Koto Ward, Tokyo, is one of the largest waterfront parks in Tokyo, boasting a length of 3.7 km and an area of 10.4 hectares. Created by filling in much of the Sendai Horikawa River that once flowed through Koto Ward, this park has been developed with the theme of “Residents’ Forest” and serves as a precious spot where you can enjoy abundant nature while in the heart of the city.
This article provides a comprehensive introduction to the appeal of Sendai Horikawa Park, covering everything from its history to its seven distinctive forests, seasonal highlights, access methods, and nearby facilities.
Overview and History of Sendai Horikawa Park
Basic Information About the Park
Sendai Horikawa Park is a long, narrow park that extends from Hokusuna 6-chome to Toyo 6-chome in Koto Ward, Tokyo. With a total length of 3,700 meters and an area of 104,000 square meters, it boasts one of the largest scales among waterfront parks in Tokyo.
Location: Hokusuna 6-chome to Toyo 6-chome, Koto Ward, Tokyo
Hours: Always open (some facilities excluded)
Admission: Free
Management: Koto Ward Civil Engineering Management Division
History of Sendai Horikawa and the Process of Becoming a Park
Sendai Horikawa was a canal excavated in 1659 (Manj 2) in the early Edo period and was named after a warehouse of the Sendai Clan located there. It once functioned as an important waterway for transporting goods, but after World War II, the water level dropped due to land subsidence, and it gradually lost its function as a canal.
From the 1970s through the 1980s, Koto Ward decided to fill in most of the Sendai Horikawa River, which had been affected by land subsidence, and develop the site as a park. The area east of the confluence with the Ooyokogawa was filled in, and the park opened in phases beginning in 1983, resulting in its current form. A water channel remains in some sections and is utilized as a waterfront facility.
Seven Forests and Characteristics by Area
The greatest feature of Sendai Horikawa Park is its seven distinctive forests developed with the theme of “Residents’ Forest.” Each forest has a different concept, and visitors can enjoy different charms depending on which area they visit.
1. Fureai no Mori (Exchange Forest)
Located on the western side of the park, Fureai no Mori is an area developed as a gathering place for local residents. Many plazas and benches are arranged here, making it ideal for walks, jogging, and dog walking. On weekends, the area is crowded with families, and many people can be seen enjoying picnics.
2. Kajitsu no Mori (Fruit Forest)
Kajitsu no Mori is planted with various fruit trees including plums, persimmons, chestnuts, and loquats. Beginning with plum blossoms in spring and continuing through loquats in early summer, persimmons and chestnuts in autumn, you can observe different fruits throughout the seasons. It’s also an educational area where visitors can learn about nature’s cycles through fruit development.
3. Kagaku no Mori (Science Forest)
Kagaku no Mori is an area themed on nature observation and environmental learning. It has a pond where you can observe aquatic plants and insects and is used as a place for children’s nature education. It also functions as a biotope and has become a habitat for valuable urban creatures such as dragonflies and butterflies, as well as small fish and water birds.
4. Oyako no Mori (Parent-Child Forest)
As the name suggests, Oyako no Mori is an area equipped with play equipment and squares for parents and children to enjoy together. It has slides, swings, and other equipment where small children can play safely. With plenty of shade from trees, it’s an ideal place for parents to watch children play.
5. Yatoriño no Mori (Wild Bird Forest)
Yatoriño no Mori is an area with an environment suited for bird habitation and is ideal for birdwatching. You may be able to observe rare urban birds such as kingfishers, great tits, and white-eyes. Especially in early morning and evening, you can see many birds actively moving about.
6. Hanaki no Mori (Flowering Tree Forest)
Hanaki no Mori is planted with trees that offer flowers in each season. You can enjoy seasonal colors throughout the year: cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring, hydrangeas in early summer, and autumn foliage. It’s also a popular spot for photography.
7. Mizubeño no Mori (Waterside Forest)
Mizubeño no Mori is a waterfront area that makes use of the remaining waterway. It has shallow areas where you can play in water and ponds where you can fish, and is crowded with many families in summer. With abundant aquatic plants, it’s also suitable for observing aquatic organisms.
Seasonal Enjoyment and Highlights
Sendai Horikawa Park displays a different face with each season. Here’s a detailed introduction to the appeal of each season.
Spring Cherry Blossoms and Flowers
Spring at Sendai Horikawa Park is all about cherry blossoms. About 200 Somei Yoshino and Oshima cherry trees are planted throughout the park and reach full bloom from late March to early April. The cherry tree-lined paths along the water channels to the north and south are spectacular and are popular spots where you can stroll under a tunnel of cherry blossoms.
Beyond cherry blossoms, spring flowers including plum blossoms (February to March), azaleas (April to May), and flowering dogwoods (April to May) bloom in succession. While many people visit during cherry blossom season, the park’s 3.7 km length makes it possible to enjoy flower viewing relatively leisurely.
Summer Water Play and Green Shade
During summer at Sendai Horikawa Park, playing in the waterfront facilities is popular. The shallow water play area is designed so that even small children can play safely, and many families gather on hot days. At fishing spots, you can see people enjoying fishing even in summer.
The park has many large trees with abundant shade, making it possible to spend relatively cool time even in midsummer. The beauty of fresh green leaves is also a summer highlight, perfect for walking and jogging. Early morning and evening, many local residents can be seen exercising while avoiding the heat.
Autumn Fruits and Autumn Leaves
In autumn at Sendai Horikawa Park, you can observe ripened persimmons and chestnuts in Kajitsu no Mori (collection is prohibited). Additionally, from late October through November is a beautiful season for autumn foliage, when ginkgos, maples, and zelkovas turn red and yellow, coloring the entire park.
On clear autumn days, walks while enjoying autumn foliage are particularly special. It’s an ideal season for photography, and many photography enthusiasts visit. Autumn is also a season when bird activity becomes more active, making it suitable for birdwatching.
Winter Silence and Bird Observation
Sendai Horikawa Park in winter has fewer visitors than other seasons but is a hidden gem for enjoying nature in silence. While deciduous trees lose their leaves, the green of evergreens stands out, offering a landscape unique to winter.
Winter is an excellent season for bird observation, allowing you to observe diverse bird species including migratory birds. Ducks and other waterfowl arrive at waterside areas, and small birds such as great tits and white-eyes actively move among the trees. Bringing binoculars allows for more detailed observation.
Access and How to Get There
Since Sendai Horikawa Park is a long east-west park, you can choose the nearest station depending on which area you wish to visit.
Access by Train
Western Area (Toyo-cho Station Side)
- About 5 minutes’ walk from “Toyo-cho Station” on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
- Convenient for accessing the western end of the park and visiting areas like Fureai no Mori.
Central Area (Minami-Sunama Town Station Side)
- About 7 minutes’ walk from “Minami-Sunama Town Station” on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
- Convenient for accessing the central part of the park and suitable for visiting Kajitsu no Mori and Kagaku no Mori.
Eastern Area (Nishi-Ojima Station / Sumiyoshi Station Side)
- About 10 minutes’ walk from “Nishi-Ojima Station” on the Toei Shinjuku Line
- Convenient for accessing the eastern end of the park.
- About 12 minutes’ walk from “Sumiyoshi Station” on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line and Toei Shinjuku Line
Access by Bus
The Toei Bus and Koto Ward’s community bus “Shiokaze” are also available. Bus stops such as “Minami-Sunama 3-chome” and “Toyo 6-chome” are close to the park, allowing access to various areas of the park by bus.
Access by Bicycle
The terrain within Koto Ward is flat, making access by bicycle comfortable. While there are bicycle parking spaces in and around the park, please park in designated areas.
Vehicle Access and Parking
Sendai Horikawa Park has no dedicated parking lot. If visiting by car, you will need to use paid parking lots in the surrounding area. There are several paid parking lots near Toyo-cho Station and Minami-Sunama Town Station. However, public transportation is recommended.
Facilities and Activities in the Park
Waterfront Facilities and Water Play Areas
The waterfront facilities at Sendai Horikawa Park are a hit with children. The shallow water play area is open during summer months (approximately July to September) and allows even small children to enjoy water play safely. Water quality is managed to maintain a clean environment.
When playing in water, bring items such as changes of clothes, towels, and sandals. Also, since there is little shade around the water play area, heat-protective measures such as hats and sunscreen are necessary.
Fishing
There is a fishing pond in the park where you can fish for free. Carp and crucian carp inhabit the pond, and many fishermen gather on holidays. When fishing, be mindful of the safety of those around you, and always take your garbage home with you.
Play Equipment and Squares
Child-friendly play equipment is installed primarily in Oyako no Mori. Basic equipment such as slides, swings, and horizontal bars are available, and children from infants to elementary school age can enjoy them. In plazas, various activities such as ball games and badminton are possible (there are restrictions in some areas).
Walking Paths and Jogging Courses
The walking path, taking advantage of the park’s 3.7 km length, is ideal for walking and jogging. The paved path continues with little elevation change, allowing people of all ages to enjoy it. Distance markers are also provided, making it easy to manage exercise volume. Early morning and evening, many local residents can be seen jogging and walking.
Benches and Rest Areas
Numerous benches are installed throughout the park, allowing for rest during walks. Many benches are shaded, providing comfortable rest even on hot days. Bringing a boxed lunch to enjoy a picnic is also recommended.
Nearby Tourist Spots and Facilities
Recommended Spots Around Koto Ward
Kiba Park
About 2 km from Sendai Horikawa Park, the Metropolitan Kiba Park is a large park featuring vast lawns, an urban greening botanical garden, and a barbecue area. The Tokyo Museum of Contemporary Art is also adjacent, allowing you to enjoy both art and nature simultaneously.
Kiyosumi Garden
A representative Japanese garden in Koto Ward, designated as a scenic beauty of Tokyo. A stroll-style landscape garden centered on a pond, it offers beautiful scenery throughout the seasons. It is about 3 km from Sendai Horikawa Park.
Fukutosawa Edo Museum
A museum that recreates the townscape of Fukutosawa during the Edo period at full scale. A facility where you can experientially learn about the lives of common people in the Edo period, recommended for history enthusiasts.
Dining and Shopping
The areas around Toyo-cho Station and Minami-Sunama Town Station have plenty of restaurants and shopping facilities. Before and after exploring the park, you can enjoy local cuisine or go shopping. In particular, Minami-Sunama has a large shopping center “SUNAMO” (Sunamo), which is convenient for dining and shopping.
Precautions and Manners When Using the Park
Park Usage Rules
- Always take garbage with you: There are almost no trash bins in the park.
- Do not collect plants or animals: Fruits in Kajitsu no Mori are for viewing.
- No open flames: Barbecuing and fireworks are prohibited.
- Dog walking: Keep dogs on a leash and always take away their waste.
- Bicycle entry: Bicycle entry is restricted in some areas.
To Enjoy Safely
- Supervision during water play: Always have a parent or guardian accompany children playing in water.
- Heat stroke prevention: In summer, don’t forget a hat and water for hydration.
- Insect repellent measures: In such a nature-rich environment, insect repellent spray is useful.
- Nighttime use: Some areas have little lighting, so caution is necessary when walking at night.
Events and Community Activities
Sendai Horikawa Park hosts various events organized by Koto Ward and community groups. Information about seasonal events such as cherry blossom festivals, nature observation sessions, and cleanup activities can be found on the official Koto Ward website.
Volunteer activities by local residents are also active, with regular flower bed maintenance and cleanup activities. These activities support the park’s beautiful environment.
Summary: The Appeal of Sendai Horikawa Park, an Oasis in the City
Sendai Horikawa Park in Koto Ward, Tokyo is loved not only by local residents but by many people as one of Tokyo’s largest waterfront parks. A verdant space stretching 3.7 km, seven distinctive forests, nature that changes with the seasons, and activities such as water play and fishing. A place where you can have such a rich nature experience while in the city center is truly precious.
Located conveniently along the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line with excellent accessibility. It can be enjoyed in many ways: family picnics, jogging, walks, and nature observation. The park, which shows a different face with each season, will offer new discoveries no matter how many times you visit.
If you’re looking for a place in Tokyo to experience nature, please visit Sendai Horikawa Park. You can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and spend leisurely time in what is truly an oasis in the city.
