Many Japanese gardens and temples require payment to enter with a limited open time. Public parks, however, are free of charge and offer a beautiful respite from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city.
Despite its image, Tokyo boasts plenty of spacious parks in the centre of the city including the famous Ueno Park and Yoyogi Park. The Sumida River embankment in Tokyo is one of my favourite places. I like to walk or to sit down quietly there watching ships and boats passing by. Further away there are parks in Koganei and Mitaka.
Outside of Tokyo, of course, space is rarely at premium the way it seems in the capital. Large public parks can be found in Tsustsujigaoka in Sendai and of course, there is Hiroshima's Peace Park and its sister in Nagasaki. In Kyoto there is the Philosopher's Path in Higashiyama and the Kyoto Imperial Garden with gravel paths and grass lawns for picnics or just resting. Kyoto's Kamo River, too, is another nice place to relax.
One of my favourite places for a leisurely walk is Tokyo Dome City - it is always lively and cheerful. Shiba Park by Tokyo Tower and Osanbashi Pier with its grand panoramic view of Yokohama are also much beloved by the locals.
Please enjoy Japan's wonderful - and free - parks and promenades the next time you visit.
