Showa Memorial Park

Showa Commemorative National Government Park is located in Akishima and Tachikawa, Tokyo, and is the largest park in Tokyo, covering 165.3 hectares (408 acres). The site was formerly a Japanese military airbase and operated by the US military in the postwar era until Tachikawa Airfield was returned to the Japanese government in 1977. The park was established in 1983 as part of a project to commemorate Emperor Showa's Golden Jubilee, transforming this former military installation into a peaceful recreational space honoring the 50th anniversary of Emperor Hirohito's reign.

The park serves as Tokyo's premier destination for seasonal flower displays and outdoor recreation. It is most popular for the many kinds of flowers that carpet its grounds throughout the year, with rows of ginkgo trees serving as a beloved fall sightseeing spot. In winter, the park features dreamy winter lights, and fireworks displays are regularly held. The vast green space provides an escape from Tokyo's urban density while offering insights into Japan's transformation from wartime to peaceful commemoration.

Visitors can explore the park's 11-kilometer cycling path network, with rental bicycles available at multiple park entrances for 600 yen for three hours or 800 yen for the entire day. The park features diverse recreational facilities including boating lakes, barbecue areas, children's playgrounds, sports facilities, and museums. Due to its enormous size, exploring the entirety of Showa Memorial Park would take a whole day, making it ideal for full-day excursions from central Tokyo.

Adult admission is 450 yen, children under 15 enter free, and seniors 65 and over pay 210 yen. The admission fee can be paid with Pasmo cards, and some facilities require additional charges. Parking is available for 900 yen. The park is accessible via JR Chuo Line to either Nishi-Tachikawa Station (2-minute walk to entrance) or Tachikawa Station (10-minute walk to entrance), approximately 30-40 minutes from central Tokyo. Multiple entrance gates serve different areas of the park, with the main Tachikawa Gate being the most convenient for first-time visitors.