Kinuta Park – another hidden Tokyo gem

Kinuta Park rose garden
One of Kinuta Park's rose gardens.

Kinuta Park is another of Tokyo’s hidden gems. With ninety-six acres of space, local citizens have a great place to run around and have picnics. It is pretty big. I was impressed with my first visit there. There is something I must admit, though. I went in the wrong season!

Yes, I went in late spring. After the cherry blossom season! What a dunce I was. But honestly, Kinuta was never high on my list of priorities to visit. Why? Well, no one ever talks about it. The park wasn’t on my radar at all. That was a big mistake. Yep, I had no idea I was missing out on something. So, how did I end up going?

people sunbathing in park
Great lawns from its golf course past.

Recently, a friend spoke to me about it. We’re always talking about places to photograph. She was surprised I had never been there because the cherry trees are so good. So, I thought I better check it out. I’m glad I did because it will be my spot for them in 2024!

When I went, the trees weren’t in bloom, but I got some sense of what they would look like when they are. Talk about a hidden gem! Next spring is going to rock. I’m already excited about it. Still, other seasons have flowers like roses. There is always something to enjoy.

man juggling balls
A busker entertaining people with his juggling skills.

What else can I say about Kinuta Park? Well, nature lovers adore it. In some areas, it is forest-like. You can enjoy a nice walk, jogging, and sunbathing. Many people work on their tans there.

It is family oriented. Parents enjoy the various play areas with their kids. There is a soccer and a baseball field. You can even enjoy a cycling course.

forest
Some parts of Kinuta are forest-like.

A brief history of Kinuta Park

  • It was planned in 1935 to celebrate the 2,600th anniversary of the founding of Japan by Emperor Jimmu. 
  • For the 1940 Summer Olympics, the park was a candidate for the athlete’s village.
  • In 1957, the area became a golf course. It was closed in 1966 and turned into the park it is today.
  • Apparently, in the 1970s, it was popular with bosozoku. 

Kinuta Park details

See the park’s opening hours and location on the official website.

Why do photographers like Kinuta Park?

  • Bird Sanctuary
  • Buskers
  • Cherry blossoms
  • Rose gardens
  • Setagaya Art Museum

Other photo spots in the area

  • Baji Park 
  • Komozawa Olympic Park
  • Soshigaya-Okura Station (Ultraman statue)
  • Todoroki Valley
Setagaya Art Museum boot lawn art
Setagaya Art Museum leaves a big footprint!

How big is the Park?

It’s about ninety-six acres. There is lots of space.

Setagaya Art Museum
The Setagaya Art Museum.

Wrapping Up

Kinuta Park is a gem in the concrete jungle. You will be surprised. It is a refreshing place to recharge your batteries. Anyway, I can’t wait for 2024 to check out its cherry blossoms. They will be good! So, I’m sorry to say this is another article that is a work in progress. Please leave your questions and comments below.

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