Tachikawa's Showa Kinen Park is a stunning destination to visit year-round, and the park grounds are home to a wide variety of blooms throughout different seasons. Spring brings color in the form of sakura, tulips, azaleas, and wisteria, summer boasts hydrangeas, water lilies, and lotus flowers, and autumn is renowned for a stunning tunnel of gingko trees that turn their trademark blazing yellow around the late October timeframe. Another highlight of autumn is the cosmos flowers that grow in abundance here, and they're often overlooked.
The best time to catch the cosmos in bloom at Showa Kinen Park is from early September to early November, and they typically come in an array of colors. Pretty pops of pink, white, and orange adorn the grounds of the park, adding a dose of whimsical beauty.
Aside from the flowers, the park has plenty of amenities that make it easy to spend an entire day here. There are multiple children's play areas, dedicated fields and courts for sport practice, several cafes and restaurants, and even a dog run if you plan on bringing your canine companion along.
Unlike some free parks in Japan, there is an admission fee for Showa Kinen. Adult admission (classed as anyone over 15 years of age) is priced at ¥450, with children under that age receiving free admission. Visitors over the age of 65 also receive a discount, with admission set at ¥210.
If you do plan to visit the park specifically for the floral beauty, be sure to check up-to-date flowering information on their website before you stop by.
