Overview
With the Sumida River running along its northern and eastern borders, a lack of traditional Japanese landscaped beauty in Arakawa City Ward is made up for with plenty of great river views. A lovely nature park and local greenery are some of the open spaces that can be found here. Here is a quick introduction to some of the parks of Arakawa and how to reach them.
Arakawa Nature Park
One of Tokyo's many examples of reclaimed land, Arakawa Nature Park has turned into one of Tokyo's top 100 views. Plenty of space with an exquisite garden, pond, and several footbridges, there are even playgrounds and bicycle tracks for the children, as well as sports fields for the eternally active.
Direct access from the entrance to Arakawa-nichome Station on the Toden Arakawa Line.
Nishi-Nippori Park
An elevated public space, the small Nishi-Nippori Park has views over the local area. A nice little staging point to explore the local temples, shrines and old-downtown neighbourhood atmosphere, the park offers a decent example of Japan's love of komorebi sunlight filtering through the tree leaves.
A 1-minute walk from Nishi-Nippori Station on the Metro Chiyoda or JR Yamanote lines.
Ogunohara Park
An almost rural vibe in Tokyo, the pleasantly open space of Ogunohara Park sits alongside the famous Sumida River and is one of the nicer spots for cherry blossom viewing. With almost two hundred trees ready to bloom come spring, the park then becomes a boon for families in summer with its child-friendly stream as well as dragonfly pond, a remnant of the old wetland geography.
A 7-minute walk from Kumanomae Station on the Nippori-Toner Liner or Toden-Arakawa lines.
Shiroiri Park
The main claim to fame of Shioiri Park is its location along the banks of the Sumida River. Come Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, it makes for great location to watch the show. Along with its great river views, the park features good-sized open spaces, a BBQ area as well as a herb garden and plenty of walking and jogging trails.
A 10-minute walk from Minami-Senju Station on the Metro Hibiya or JR Joban lines.
