Kinuta Park is another hidden Tokyo gem
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. How did I end up going?
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. I thought I better check it out. It will be another spot for them in 2024!
That time eventually came. I saw the trees and they were awesome. Those on the former golf course’s fairway were brilliant. They make for good photos with so many people around. And Setagaya City, where it is located is a family area. They flood it on weekends during the hanami season.
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.
A Brief History of Kinuta Park
- It was planned in 1935 to celebrate the 2,600th anniversary of Japan’s founding 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.
Where is Kinuta Park?
Address: 1-1 Kinutakoen, Setagaya City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train stations
- Yoga on the Tōkyū Den-en-toshi Line.
- Soshigaya-Okura on the Odakyu Line.
The walk to the park from both stations is about twenty minutes. That’s pretty far.
Car parking
Twenty-four-hour car parking is available.
Park Opening Hours
Open 24 hours a day.
Admission costs
None.
What can you photograph at Kinuta Park?
- Bird Sanctuary
- Buskers
- Cherry blossoms (2024 photos here)
- Rose gardens
- Setagaya Art Museum
Other photo spots in the area
- Baji Park
- Komozawa Olympic Park
- Soshigaya-Okura Station (Ultraman statue)
- Todoroki Valley
Dog rules
Kinuta Park has a walking course for dogs. Unfortunately, they are forbidden from the lawn areas.
How big is the Park?
It’s about ninety-six acres. There is lots of space.
Conclusion
Kinuta Park is a gem in the Tokyo concrete jungle. It will surprise you. It is a tremendous place to recharge your batteries. For cherry blossom lovers, it should be on their list of places to visit. This spot is now on my hanami list. They are so good! So, this is another article that is a work in progress. Leave questions and comments below.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
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