Overview
An extension of its family-friendly atmosphere, the parks of Nerima City Ward are considered by many to be some of the best places in Tokyo to bring children. Plenty of green space, trees and things to do, the parks are a great day out from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Here is an introduction to some of the parks of Nerima and how to reach them.
Hikarigaoka Park
A haven of green space, Hikarigaoka Park was once military land but is now as family-friendly a park as you can get. With its sixteen thousand trees - including a thousand cherry blossoms, bird sanctuary, camping fields, and even an archery range and swimming pool, the park is enjoyment plus.
An 8-minute walk from Hikarigaoka Station on the Toei Oedo Line.
Johoku Chuo Park
A huge expanse of land straddling two city wards, Johoku Chuo Park features not only baseball and athletic fields but also the Kurihara ruins and the Moro Heritage Site. As an added bonus, Tama Zoo's koala population are fed from eucalyptus trees that are grown in the park for that purpose.
A 15-minute walk from Kami-Itabashi Station on the Tobu Tojo Line.
Oizumi Chuo Park
Another huge public expanse of green that was once military land, Oizumi Chu Park is dominated by its fields, athletic and baseball as well as a water square with a rainbow pond water monument, picnic fields, children's play equipment and for bird lovers, even a wild bird forest grove.
A 20-minute bus ride from Oizumi-gakuen Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line.
Shakujii Park
A veritable oasis within the big city, Shakujii Park is one of Tokyo's most enjoyable public spaces. An unheralded gem, the park's Sanpoji and Shakujii ponds offer not only natural beauty but pedal boat cruising. Surrounding the ponds are a slew of picnic areas, walking trails with plenty of wildlife to spot and an ambience made for relaxing.
A 7-minute walk from Shakuji-koen Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line.
