Arakawa Nature Park is built on artificial ground that covers the Tokyo Mikawashima Wastewater Treatment Plant, making it a remarkable example of urban land reclamation. This innovative design allows the park to serve as both a green space and an industrial facility. The park was also designated as one of the New Tokyo 100 Views in 1982, recognizing its scenic value.
Arakawa Nature Park is easily accessible via JR Keihin-Tohoku Line to Nippori Station, followed by a 15-minute walk, or take the Nippori-Toneri Liner to Nippori Station. You can also reach the park from Mikawashima Station on the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line with a short walk through the scenic Arakawa riverside area.
Arakawa Nature Park offers diverse activities including cherry blossom viewing (hanami) in spring, cycling along the Arakawa River, bird watching, picnicking in designated areas, walking trails, and sports facilities. The park features beautiful seasonal flowers, riverside paths, and family-friendly recreational spaces perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
The best time to visit Arakawa Nature Park for cherry blossoms is typically late March to early April, when the sakura trees are in full bloom. The park becomes a popular hanami destination with stunning pink cherry blossoms along the Arakawa River, offering perfect photo opportunities and traditional Japanese spring experiences.
Arakawa Nature Park has limited parking spaces available for visitors driving to the location. Several convenience stores, local restaurants, and cafes can be found near the park entrances and along the nearby streets. Many visitors bring packed lunches for picnicking, as the park has designated eating areas with scenic river views.
A fantastic park for families, little kids, or adults to walk or jog in.
Swings and slides for the little ones, sculptured trees and insect park, also.
Swans, turtles, carp fish, and large ponds.
About three minutes walk from Machiya station, or a couple of minutes from the tram line station nearby.
Free entry from around 6 am to 9 pm most days, I believe.
Not much foliage or pure beauty since it's built over a water treatment facility. But the park overall is cool, especially when the kids are learning to ride bicycles according to traffic rules. Fun to observe as a foreigner.
