Toshinjuku Shajin Park, Tokyo – Complete Guide | Enjoy 65 Hectares of Nature and Sports
Toshinjuku Shajin Park, located in Adachi Ward, Tokyo, is a comprehensive park boasting an expansive 65-hectare area. Despite being in Tokyo, this park where you can enjoy wide-open skies and abundant nature has become a cherished recreational space for Tokyo residents, loved by families and sports enthusiasts alike.
In this article, we will convey all the charms of Shajin Park and provide comprehensive information you should know before visiting.
What is Toshinjuku Shajin Park?
Shajin Park opened in 1981 as a comprehensive park managed by Tokyo. The park is divided into four sections (Areas A, B, C, and D) by the Okuohashi Dori and Shajin Park Dori roads that intersect at right angles through the center of the park, each with distinct characteristics.
Basic Information about the Park
Location: 1-1 Shajin Park, Adachi Ward, Tokyo
Area: Approximately 65 hectares
Hours: Open 24/7 (Service center and individual facilities have specific hours)
Admission: Free (some facilities have charges)
Inquiries: 03-3857-2308 (Shajin Park Service Center)
Management: Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Tokyo Parks Association
Approximately 7,000 trees are planted throughout the park, including metasequoia, cherry blossoms, and zelkova, which display different seasonal appearances throughout the year.
Access Methods
Train Access
The Nippori-Toneri Liner is the most convenient way to reach Toshinjuku Shajin Park.
Nippori-Toneri Liner
- Exit at “Shajin Park Station” – immediately accessible on foot (accessible from both east and west exits)
- Approximately 20 minutes from Nippori Station
The Nippori-Toneri Liner is a new transit system connecting Nippori Station on the JR Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku Lines with Shajin Park Station, opening in 2008. Since stations are located spanning the east and west of the park, it’s convenient to choose your exit based on your intended destination.
Bus Access
Tokyo Metropolitan Bus
- Ō49 line – Get off at “Shajin Park” or “Shajin Park East” stops
- Sato 48 line – Get off at “Shajin Park” stop
Car Access
Metropolitan Expressway
- Approximately 15 minutes from “Kashihashi Exit” on the Kawaguchi Line
Parking Information
- First Parking Area: 116 spaces
- Second Parking Area: 100 spaces
- Hours: 24 hours
- Rates: ¥200 for up to 1 hour, ¥100 for each additional 30 minutes (maximum ¥600 per day)
Parking areas get congested on weekends, during cherry blossom season, and when events are held, so we recommend using public transportation.
The Park’s Four Sections and Their Features
Shajin Park is divided into four sections by Okuohashi Dori and Shajin Park Dori, each offering different attractions.
Area A (Northwest)
Area A is where comprehensive sports facilities are concentrated.
- Athletic Stadium: An authentic competition stadium certified as Japan Association of Athletics Associations Type 3. Features 400m track with 8 lanes and a natural grass field, complete with night lighting
- Tennis Courts: 8 artificial grass courts
- Multi-Purpose Sports Ground: Available for soccer, futsal, and other uses
Area B (Northeast)
Area B is where you can enjoy water and greenery.
- Large Pond: A vast 3-hectare pond where waterfowl such as ducks and herons can be observed
- Waterside Square: A walking path where you can enjoy waterfront strolls
- Splash Pond: A children’s water play area open seasonally (mid-July to late August)
- Campground: Facilities for day camping and barbecue (reservation required, paid)
Area C (Southeast)
Area C is enriched with nature observation and children’s play areas.
- Bird Sanctuary: Protected bird area with no-entry zones for natural bird observation
- Adventure Hill: A children’s area with athletic equipment
- Sled Run: A popular spot where you can slide down an artificial grass slope with a dedicated sled (ages 3-12)
- Lawn Square: An open space ideal for picnicking and ball games
Area D (Southwest)
Area D features various sports facilities and recreational spaces.
- Baseball Field: An authentic baseball field measuring 90m at both foul lines and 110m at center field
- Dog Run: Spacious areas separated for small dogs and medium/large dogs (registration required, free)
- Cherry Blossom Viewing Square: A popular spring spot with approximately 200 cherry trees planted
Attractions Across the Four Seasons
Toshinjuku Shajin Park displays different faces throughout the seasons.
Spring (March to May)
Cherry Blossom Viewing Destination
Shajin Park is known as a representative cherry blossom spot in Adachi Ward. Approximately 1,000 cherry trees are planted throughout the park, and in the Cherry Blossom Viewing Square particularly, about 200 Somei Yoshino trees create a magnificent flower tunnel.
- Best Viewing Period: Late March to early April
- Recommended Spots: Cherry Blossom Viewing Square, around the Large Pond, paths throughout the park
During cherry blossom season, the park is filled with many flower viewing visitors, with families and groups spreading out leisure sheets for picnics.
Other Spring Flowers
- Azaleas: Late April to early May
- Dogwood: Mid-April to early May
- Nemophila: Mid-April to early May (flower bed areas)
Summer (June to August)
Water Play Season
The Splash Pond opens, and children’s voices ring out throughout the park.
- Splash Pond: Mid-July to late August, 10am to 4pm
- Water depth is shallow, safe even for preschoolers
- Changing spaces available
Shaded Strolls
The walking paths around the Large Pond offer shaded relief from trees, ideal for summer walks. Early morning visits allow you to enjoy observing kingfishers and other waterfowl.
Summer Flowers
- Hydrangeas: Early June to early July
- Sunflowers: Late July to mid-August
- Crape Myrtle: July to September
Autumn (September to November)
Beautiful Autumn Foliage
Autumn at Shajin Park is especially striking for the metasequoia’s autumn colors.
- Best Viewing Period: Mid-November to early December
- Recommended Spots: Metasequoia Forest, around the Large Pond, paths throughout the park
Metasequoia trees are characterized by beautiful brick-colored foliage, and the sight of approximately 200 trees throughout the park turning color simultaneously is awe-inspiring.
Autumn Flowers
- Cosmos: Late September to late October
- Autumn Foliage: Mid-November to early December
Winter (December to February)
Birdwatching
Winter is an excellent season for birdwatching when migratory birds visit.
- The Large Pond allows observation of ducks, coots, and other waterfowl
- The Bird Sanctuary offers opportunities for more natural bird observation
- Early morning is the optimal observation time
Winter Flowers
- Camellia: December to March
- Winter Jasmine: January to February
- Plum Blossoms: February to early March
Play Spots That Delight Children
Toshinjuku Shajin Park is extremely popular with families and children. Various play areas suited to different age groups are provided.
Sled Run
A popular spot where children can slide down an artificial grass slope using dedicated sleds
- Target Age: 3 to 12 years old
- Operating Hours: 9:30am to 4:30pm (varies by season)
- Usage Fee: Free
- Sled Rental: Free (personal sleds not permitted)
- Notes: Preschoolers must be accompanied by a guardian
The thrill of sliding down the approximately 20-meter slope is hugely popular with children, and waiting lines often form on weekends.
Adventure Hill
A play area with abundant athletic equipment
- Rope climbing
- Net play equipment
- Multi-purpose equipment
- Tarzan rope
Various difficulty levels of equipment allow enjoyment from toddlers to elementary school children.
Splash Pond
Seasonal water play area
- Operating Period: Mid-July to late August
- Operating Hours: 10am to 4pm
- Water Depth: Approximately 10-30cm
- Facilities: Changing rooms, foot-washing areas available
Water quality is carefully managed, making it safe for small children to play.
Toddler Play Equipment Area
An area where play equipment for preschoolers is gathered, with slides, swings, sandboxes, and more. The soft ground surface ensures safety.
Barbecue and Campground
Shajin Park’s barbecue area and campground are popular facilities where you can easily experience outdoor activities in Tokyo.
Barbecue Area
Usage Method
- Reservation: Required in advance by phone or online
- Operating Hours: Morning session (10:00-13:00), afternoon session (14:00-17:00)
- Usage Fee: Approximately ¥3,000 per section (up to 6 people)
- Equipment: Fireplaces, tables, benches
- Bring Your Own: Food, cooking equipment, charcoal, etc.
Notes
- Open fires prohibited
- Remove all trash
- Be mindful of noise
- Exercise caution with fire
Day Campground
An area where tent setup is possible for more immersive outdoor experiences.
- Reservation: Required in advance
- Operating Hours: 10am to 5pm
- Overnight Stays: Not permitted (day camping only)
Sports Facility Usage Information
Toshinjuku Shajin Park has well-equipped sports facilities accommodating individual to group use.
Athletic Stadium
Facility Overview
- Japan Association of Athletics Associations Type 3 certified
- 400m track (8 lanes)
- Natural grass field
- Night lighting available
Usage Method
- Individual Use: Same-day registration, approximately ¥200 per 2 hours
- Group Reservation: Advance booking required, fees vary by time slot
- Operating Hours: 9am to 9pm (varies seasonally)
Tennis Courts
Facility Overview
- 8 artificial grass courts
- Night lighting available
Usage Method
- Reservation: Advance booking by phone or online
- Usage Fee: Approximately ¥1,200 per court per hour
- Operating Hours: 9am to 9pm
Baseball Field
Facility Overview
- 90m at both foul lines, 110m at center field
- Infield dirt, outfield grass
Usage Method
- Reservation: Required in advance
- Usage Fee: Approximately ¥3,000 per hour
- Operating Hours: 9am to 5pm
Dog Run
Facility Overview
- Separated areas for small dogs and medium/large dogs
- Approximately 3,000 square meters total
Usage Method
- Registration: Required at first use (rabies vaccination certificate needed)
- Usage Fee: Free
- Operating Hours: 9am to 5pm (varies seasonally)
Usage Rules
- Remove leash upon entry
- Owners responsible for cleaning up after dogs
- Dogs in heat not permitted to use
Annual Events and Recommended Events
Various events are held throughout the year at Toshinjuku Shajin Park.
Spring Events
Cherry Blossom Festival (late March to early April)
- Held during cherry blossom blooming season
- Stage events, food stalls, etc.
- Night cherry blossom illumination (limited period)
Summer Events
Summer Festival (July to August)
- Water play events
- Nature observation sessions
- Insect observation sessions
Autumn Events
Sports Festival (October)
- Various sports experiences
- Family sports day
- Walking events
Autumn Foliage Festival (November)
- Metasequoia autumn foliage viewing
- Nature observation tours
- Photo contests
Winter Events
Birdwatching Tours (December to February)
- Guided bird observation sessions with expert guides
- Binocular rental available
Year-Round Events
Nature Observation Sessions
- Held on the second Sunday of each month (subject to change)
- Observe park flora and fauna with experts
- Free admission, no advance registration required
Nordic Walking Classes
- Held approximately once monthly
- Classes for beginners
- Pole rental available
Recommended Spots and Photo-Worthy Locations
Shajin Park has numerous beautiful spots perfect for photography.
Metasequoia Forest
The tree-lined avenue of approximately 200 metasequoias is particularly spectacular during autumn foliage season. The contrast between the brick-colored leaves and blue sky is an excellent photo opportunity.
Around the Large Pond
The open landscape formed by the vast pond and sky is especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset hours. Waterfowl make picturesque subjects.
Cherry Blossom Tunnel at Cherry Blossom Viewing Square
Spring brings approximately 200 Somei Yoshino trees creating a spectacular tunnel. At full bloom, a pale pink arch stretches throughout.
Sled Run Area
The contrast between children playing energetically and the green lawn makes for an ideal family photo spot.
Nearby Facilities and Food Information
Rest Facilities in the Park
Service Center
- Rest area
- Vending machines
- Restrooms
- Nursing room
Shop
- Light food and drinks
- Ice cream, snacks, etc.
Nearby Restaurants
Around Shajin Park Station, you’ll find family restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores. Since there is no restaurant in the park, we recommend bringing a bento box or eating at restaurants near the station.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Nishi-Arai Daishi (approximately 4km away)
- One of Kanto’s three major temples
- Famous temple for warding off bad luck
Galaxy City (approximately 5km away)
- Experience-based facility for children
- Planetarium, climbing facility, etc.
Precautions and Etiquette
Basic Etiquette
- Take all trash with you when leaving
- Smoking only in designated areas
- Dogs must be leashed during walks (except in dog run)
- Owners responsible for cleaning up after dogs
- Plant collection and removal prohibited
- Do not feed wild birds
Safety Precautions
- Take full heat stroke precautions in summer (hats, hydration)
- Supervise children when using play equipment
- Exercise caution around the Large Pond regarding water accidents
- Bicycles allowed only in designated areas
Prohibited Activities
- Fireworks, barbecuing (outside designated areas)
- Drone flying
- Golf practice
- Skateboarding, roller skating (outside designated areas)
- Commercial photography (requires permission)
Conclusion | Enjoy Tokyo’s Nature at Toshinjuku Shajin Park
Toshinjuku Shajin Park is a valuable park in Tokyo where you can enjoy abundant nature, sports, and recreation across its approximately 65-hectare expanse.
Key Attractions of Shajin Park
- Nature Through All Seasons: Seasonal landscapes created by approximately 7,000 trees
- Comprehensive Sports Facilities: Authentic facilities including athletic stadium, tennis courts, baseball field
- Children’s Play Areas: Sled run, splash pond, adventure hill, and more
- Barbecue and Camping: Easily experience outdoor activities within Tokyo
- Birdwatching: Bird observation at the Large Pond and Bird Sanctuary
- Excellent Access: Approximately 20 minutes from Nippori via Nippori-Toneri Liner
With the opening of the Nippori-Toneri Liner, access from central Tokyo to Shajin Park has improved dramatically. Whether for weekend family outings, sports activities, nature observation, or photography, you can enjoy a full day at this park.
Visit Shajin Park multiple times throughout the seasons to experience its changing beauty. Time spent surrounded by vast skies and greenery becomes a precious escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
