On a sunny day escape central Tokyo and head for the huge Showa Kinen Park 昭和記念公園. Showa Memorial Park is approximately a 50-70 min trip from central Tokyo via car or train. Biking, hiking, climbing nets, bouncing on huge white soft blobs and hiding from dragons can keep the little ones busy as you view the beautiful cherry blossoms, tulips, or foliage. You can spend the entire day at the park so pack a lunch and all your sports 
equipment. The park is over 150 hectors and has over 11 kilometers of bike trails. We highly recommend that you rent bikes near the Nishi Tachikawa entrance to see the entire park, and allows for easy access to a variety of playgrounds which are very spread out. Dogs are also welcome on a leash (there is a small non-leash dog run). There is also an Ikea in Tachikawa (opens at 9:00). There are so many great adventures in Western Tokyo!
Showa Kinen Park 昭和記念公園, Tachikawa, Tokyo – Rent Bikes, Massive Playgrounds and Water Play
Showa Kinen Park was establish in 1983 in memorial of Emperor Hirohito, Emporero Showa. The park is the biggest in Tokyo spanning 180 hectares (440 acres). The park was originally a Japanese military airbase and in the post 
WWII era it was operated by the US military, Tachikawa Airfield was returned to the Japanese government in 1977.
Bicycles can be rented for 3 hours or all day. For 3 hours it is 410 JPY for adults, 260 JPY for children (includes helmets for the kids). Bike rental are from 9.30 until one hour before the park closes. I recommend going early if you 
plan to rent. You may also take your own bikes. There are bikes with baby carriers, but no kids bikes with training wheels. Most of the 11kms are flat with some exceptions of gradual hills which may need a little pushing up if a new rider.
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Showa Memorial Park (according to my kids)
1. They have really good rental bikes, and the 11 km of bike paths are great – mountain bikes, mamchari bikes, and little kid bikes (no training wheels)
2. The big soft white jumpy domes are “so cool” – parents are not allowed to jump on them, but we saw some “bad” parents
3. The rope net play area is “awesome” – take your shoes off
4. The Dragon Dunes are fun to play hide and see
5. Lots of kiosks – soft cream, shaved ice, and plenty you of food. You can also BBQ
6. The kiosks also sell bubble potion, balls, and cool stuff
7. The park train is fun to ride, but bikes are preferred
8. Smells like nature
9. Water park in the summer (mid July – early September)
10. Mom likes it because there are SO MANY FLOWERS
The Park also has free admission a few times a year (parking and bike rental not free)
Admission Free Days 2019
| Day | |
|---|---|
| Monday, Apr.29 | The Day of Showa (National Holiday) |
| Sunday, May 19 | City Greenery Promotion Campaign in Spring |
| Monday, Sept. 16 | Respect-for-the Aged Day (Only for over 65-year-old visitors) |
| Sunday, Oct. 20 | City Greenery Promotion Campaign Month in Fall |
| Sunday, Oct.27 | City Greenery Promotion Campaign Month in Fall |
The Showa Kinen Park Rainbow Pool – July 13 – September 1st.
The Rainbow Pool area and park is 2,250 JPY for adults (15 and over), 1,220 JPY for kids (6-14 years) and 310 JPY for (4-5 years).
The Rainbow Pool complex which is 6 hectares (15 acres) has five pools – the Wave Pool, Waterslide Pool, Adventure Pool, Monument Pool and Running Water Pool. There is also a baby and toddler pool, but that is a separate admission. Showers, changing facility and lockers are available. Make sure to bring your towels, sun lotion, and sandals. It gets really busy in the summer so come early. Cost to enter the pool complex: 2,500 yen for 15+ adults, 1,400 for Elementary and Junior high and 500 yen for nursery. Pools details here.
Showa Kinen Park 昭和記念公園 Details
Address: Midoricho 3173, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo 国営昭和記念公園 (〒190-0014 東京都立川市緑町３１７３)
Telephone: 042- 524-1516 (Japanese language only)
Hours: March 1 – October 31: 9:30 – 17:00; November 1 – February end: 9:30 – 16:30
Website: http://www.showakinen-koen.jp/guide-english/schedule-english/
Cost to enter park: Adults (15 – 64) 450 JPY, seniors (65+) 210 JPY, JHS and under FREE
Access: 2 min walk from Nishi Tachikawa Station, 14 min walk from Tachikawa station. I recommend you take eh Chuo Line from Shinjuku directly to Nishi Tachikawa station which is a good spot to get a rental bike. There is a also a large parking lot at the Nishi Tachikawa park side (near the station). Cost to park is 820 JPY for the day.
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Showa Kinen Park 昭和記念公園, Tachikawa, Tokyo – Rent Bikes, Massive Playgrounds and Water Play
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