Shinrin Koen, or Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park, is a vast and beautiful park located in Saitama Prefecture, just north of Tokyo. Known as Japan’s first national park, it offers a stunning natural retreat with sprawling lawns, walking and cycling paths, and seasonal flower displays that transform the landscape throughout the year. In spring, the park comes alive with cherry blossoms and vibrant tulips, while autumn brings fiery hues of red and gold across its wooded areas. Shinrin Koen is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring recreational activities like cycling, picnicking, and forest trails for hiking. Families can enjoy playgrounds, nature exhibits, and even barbecue areas for a fun day out. With its serene atmosphere, fresh air, and beautiful scenery, Shinrin Koen provides a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Here are some of the photos I captured during my visits. Enjoy your virtual tour!
I present you the best park around Tokyo: Shinrin Koen in Chiba – 60km, only an hour drive from Tokyo. There’s just so much to do there, really great for kids. To move around, either use the little shuttle train, or best, rent bicycles as the park is huge.
Shinrin Koen in Saitama is not only a nice park if you have kids, but also if you like flowers.
Impressive setup for portrait: they were checking the outcome live on the monitor.
Lupins from the Shinrin Koen.
Another lovely shot (in my view) from Shinrin Koen: a poppy flower!
Probably my favourite picture from our visit to Shinrin Koen: beautiful afternoon light playing with fresh green plants on the side of a deserted path.