Keio Mogusaen in Photos
Are you looking for somewhere new in Tokyo to capture the magic of spring? Try Keio Mogusaen which bursts with over 500 plum blossom trees. This small and secluded park transforms into a photographer’s paradise each spring. It offers vibrant colors, historic trees, and breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji and the Shinjuku skyline. Whether you’re chasing serenity or that perfect floral shot, check this place out.
Before we go any further, I must tell you one thing. Mogusaen is on a hill. It is a little steep. Getting there might be a trial for people with health or physical problems. Everything is uphill inside, and you are confined to the paths.
But once there, flower photographers will be happy. Five hundred plum blossoms trees are in Kieo Mogusaen. Their beautiful white, pink, and yellow petals make a spectacle of color when they bloom. Some of them even have historical significance. It makes the train ride and walk up the hill worth it!
From the hill, provided there is no heavy cloud cover, you can enjoy pleasant views. Shinjuku and Tokyo Skytree are visible in the east. Mt. Fuji is in the west. In both spring and autumn, I think you’ll find them spectacular.
The other seasons are okay. There are hydrangeas, wisteria, and irises, but they are few. I couldn’t justify traveling the long distance to Keio Mogusaen to see them when they bloom. There are better and more accessible places in inner Tokyo for those flowers.
Mogusaen even has monuments to Japanese literary figures, Bokusui Wakayama and Basho Matsuo. But that is it. Some kiosks sell drinks and snacks if you need a break.
Where is Keio Mogusaen?
Address: 560 Mogusa, Hino, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Nearest train station:
Mogusaen on the Keio Line. It’s about a fifty-minute train ride from Shinjuku. The station is about a fifteen-minute walk from the park.
Opening hours
- 9 AM to 5 AM
- Closed on Wednesdays (or the following day if Wednesday is a public holiday)
- The park also closes from December 30 to January 3.
Admission Costs
¥500
Why is Keio Mogusaen good for travel photography?
Tokyo isn’t only about huge skyscrapers, robot restaurants, and food. Mogusaen offers peace and serenity. It also has beautiful spring flowers in a suburban setting. This park is different.
Conclusion
Keio Mogusaen is small. It also lacks many features that bigger parks like Shinjuku Gyoen and Rikugien have. But, it is worth visiting in spring for its plum blossoms. The problem is the distance from inner Tokyo.
But if you are a flower lover, especially plum blossoms, I’d say go. The plum blossoms and the views are fantastic. So, if you make the trip to it, make sure you go in spring.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
