Sarue-Onishi Park in Photos

Sarue-Onishi Park is different from others in Tokyo. It is sparse in most seasons. Photographers are rare there for most of the year. But they turn up for one short-lived event. Cherry blossoms bring it to life in spring. While their magic is fleeting it is a scene worth capturing. Let’s see what we can get from it.

Honestly, I can’t see this park’s appeal for photographers. Yes, throughout the year, it has everything anyone could want. If you’re going to jog, you can do it. If you want to have a picnic, you can do it. Children can run around in it. If you’re going to play tennis or baseball, you can do it (contact the park for details). You can do any activity there as long as it doesn’t annoy anyone (yes, that is a park rule!). It’s good for fun things.

Sarue Onishi old lumber pond
The old lumber pond, now behind a fence.

There is a clock tower in the lawn area. Tokyo Skytree is behind it, in the distance. But that, by itself, isn’t hugely interesting. For photographers, it has little appeal.

Sarue-Onishi lacks great gardens or beautiful ponds. You need to go there in spring. When the trees bloom, the park comes alive. That is the season I would always choose to photograph this park.

Japan’s Imperial Family originally owned the area. In 1924, they gave the southern part of Sarue-Onishi to the city to celebrate the Showa Emperor’s marriage. The municipal government opened it to the public in 1932. In 1981, the north side followed.

The pond in the park was once part of a lumber yard. Logs were floated in it until needed. Stones were placed on them as ballast. Many of those rocks now ring the pool. Yes, Sarue-Onishi Park has some local history.

What to photograph at Sarue-Onishi Park

Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot. The limited list includes:

  • Clocktower.
  • Cherry blossoms in spring. On Tokyo’s east side, it is one of the best places for them.
  • People playing tennis.
  • It is a free place to practice model photography.

Other photo spots near Sarue-Onishi Park

Problems with the park 

  • Many mothers and their children will be in the park in the afternoon. That can make photography hard.
  • A major road splits it in two.
  • During summer, the grass can get a little high (but that mightn’t bother some people, I must admit).
  • For photography, there is little except for cherry blossoms in spring.

Where is Sarue-Onishi Park?

Address: 2-13-7 Mori, Koto City, Tokyo

Here it is on Google Maps:

Closest train station:

Sumiyoshi on the Toei Shinjuku and Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Lines.

Opening hours:

Never closed.

Admissions fees:

None

Conclusion

Sarue-Onishi Park is an excellent place to relax if you live in the area or not far away. But, if you are looking for a park to photograph, go in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom. Its trees are magnificent. Other than that, there isn’t much for your camera. Leave questions and comments below.

Picture of Rohan Gillett
Rohan Gillett

Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.

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