Stretched out along the Arakawa River, with views of Mount Fuji appearing over pristine green lawns, Akigase Park is a welcome reprieve from the frenetic energy of downtown Tokyo. Located in the slightly sleepier suburb of Saitama, the park is a favorite of families, especially on weekends. Keep the park in mind as a spot to take a break during a busy week of visiting the area. Head here to jog along the footpaths, go bird-watching or just relax and watch the river flow by.
Get exercise on the paths, least crowded during weekdays. Run from the Hanekura Bridge to the north past the Akigase Bridge, appreciating the greenery on the way. If running isn’t your sport, bring a racket and test your backswing on the park’s tennis courts. Get a group together for a game on the soccer or baseball fields. Keep the day more relaxed by slowly strolling along the flowing riverside, which explodes with pink cherry blossoms in the spring. Take photos of Japan’s most famous mountain rising over this pink carpet.
Satisfy your hunger with a packed picnic or some barbecuing. Join the families that spread sheets out on the grass, often accompanied by their dogs. Bring prepared food or light up the grill. After lunch, lie back on the grass and relax in the warm sun. Bring a pair of binoculars or camera and set out on a quest to find the birds that roost in the park’s trees, from crows and woodpeckers to starlings and brightly colored ducks.
Akigase Park is located outside Saitama’s downtown. Reach the park in 50 minutes by public transportation from Saitama Shintoshin Station and other downtown destinations. The closest train station is about a 30-minute walk ride away. Driving may be the best option for accessing the park, getting here in about 20 minutes from downtown Saitama or 1 hour from Haneda Airport. Free parking is available on site. The park is open daily from early morning to evening.
