Koganei Park

Koganei Park spans 80 hectares across western Tokyo, making it one of the largest parks in the metropolitan area. Located on the former site of the Musashi-Koganei Golf Course, the park was established in 1954 during Japan's post-war reconstruction period as part of efforts to create green spaces for public recreation. The site's transformation from imperial leisure grounds to a public park reflects Tokyo's broader democratization of urban spaces following World War II.

The park holds particular significance as the home of the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, which preserves and displays 30 historic buildings relocated from across Tokyo. These structures, dating from the Edo period through the early Showa era, include traditional merchant houses, farmhouses, and Western-style residences that showcase Tokyo's architectural evolution. The park's extensive cherry blossom groves, with approximately 1,700 cherry trees of 50 varieties, draw substantial crowds during spring hanami season, while its vast lawns and wooded areas provide year-round recreational space.

Visitors can explore the architectural museum to walk through preserved historical buildings, cycle along the park's dedicated cycling paths, or rent pedal boats on the central pond. The park features multiple sports facilities including baseball fields, tennis courts, and open areas suitable for picnicking and outdoor games. The Eucalyptus grove and Japanese garden offer quieter spaces for contemplation, while children's play areas and a dog run accommodate family visitors.

The park is accessible via Musashi-Koganei Station on the JR Chuo Line, requiring a 15-minute walk north from the station. Alternatively, Higashi-Koganei Station on the same line offers bus connections directly to the park entrance. Entry to Koganei Park itself is free, though the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum charges ¥400 for adults.