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Showa Memorial Park: An Emperor’s gift to Tokyo
Showa Memorial Park is one of the best places in Tokyo to photograph flowers! Many people call it the best in the city. I don’t know, but it gets high points on Japanese social media. It is a Mecca for nature lovers. A few nice surprises await inside. Let’s explore it.
It’s a big park. Showa Memorial is over 180 hectares. That makes it much bigger than Shinjuku Gyoen. And that is why it is in Tachikawa; such a space isn’t available in the inner-city area. I wonder how much time you’d need to see it all?
You could rent one of the park’s bicycles. They cost 410 yen for adults, and 260 yen for kids, and use designated roads for three hours. Or you could even take the park (wheeled) train that costs 310 yen. They are convenient to use, but you’d be skipping a lot of stuff if you didn’t walk and take in everything at a slow pace. And it is hard to take pictures while on a moving bike!
For me, the park is all about photography. There are many flowers. Showa Memorial is a flower lover’s paradise. Spring is popular with cherry blossoms, roses, tulips, poppies, and azaleas. But, autumn in the park is exceptional too when ginkgo trees turn yellow. A bonsai museum is there too. Macro lenses might be handy in this place.
There is so much more you can do with a camera. Showa Memorial is not only about flowers. An enormous (11 hectares) field has a large children’s play area. In one corner, are slides and bouncing domes. You can use it to photograph your kids or models to your heart’s content. It’s fun!
On the park’s lake, rent row and paddle boats. There is a water park open from July to September. Some of the attractions cost extra, so check the website. There are cafes and kiosks throughout the park if you need food or a drink. BBQs are available too.
Do you need pictures of an agricultural village from the early part of the Showa Emperor’s reign? You can do that at Komorebi Model Village. People might be making silk or grinding rice depending on the season. One time I was there, they had a fantastic Children’s Day exhibit.
Lastly, there is an immaculate Japanese garden. The centerpiece is a huge pond with a traditional wood bridge. It is another fabulous place for photos.
A Brief History of Showa Memorial Park
- The grounds were a Japanese military airbase during the war.
- During the postwar period, the base housed American forces.
- America returned it to Japan in 1977.
- The land became a park in 1983 celebrating fifty years of the Showa Emperor’s reign.
- The JGSDF operates on a part of the grounds.
Why can you photograph at Showa Memorial Park?
- Flowers for every season (2022 tulip photos here)
- To practice model photography
- Japanese garden
- Replica of a (small) Japanese village
- Lots of ponds and rolling hills
- Bonsai Museum
Photography tips
- Summer in Japan has become rather brutal over recent years. If you go in that season, take a hat and keep hydrated.
- You can use tripods in most areas.
The best season for photography at Showa Memorial Park:
- I would pick autumn. When the ginkgo trees bloom, the park is truly magnificent. Under brilliant blue skies, the yellow leaves are beautiful. The park is one of the most beautiful places in Tokyo during that season.
- Of course, spring is great too. That season has so many flowers. Oh, you have so many choices. Maybe I’ll change my mind tomorrow!
Photo spots near Showa Memorial Park
For these places, you will need to catch another train:
- Inokashira Park (a short train ride away)
- Tama Cemetery
- Tama Zoo
Where is Showa Memorial Park?
Address: 3173 Midoricho, Tachikawa, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train station:
- Nishi-Tachikawa on the Ome Line is closest to the park, but you have to pass through Tachikawa Station. You need to change trains if you get the timing wrong.
- Tachikawa on the Chuo Line might be easiest if coming from the direction of central Tokyo. It will be about a twenty-minute easy walk.
I suggest you look at the map and then decide what is easiest for you.
Opening hours
- March to October: 9:30 AM to 5 PM
- November to February: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
It closes over the New Year’s holidays from December 31 to January 1
Admission costs
¥450
There are some free entry days throughout the year, so consult the official website.
External related websites:
Conclusion
Showa Memorial Park is an excellent Tokyo photo spot. You could spend a whole day, or more there, with a camera. Each season has something different to offer. And don’t forget that bonsai museum!
External related websites:
- Showa Memorial Park (official website)