
Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park
Tokyo's nearest large national park — 304 hectares of rolling hills and forests in the Kanto Hills, blanketed in shibazakura (moss phlox) in spring and cosmos in autumn. The park sits on the old Musashi Plateau and has winding forest trails, bird-watching towers, and cycling courses that are almost empty on weekdays.
2–3 hours
¥450
9:30–17:00 (Mar–Oct); 9:30–16:30 (Nov); 9:30–16:00 (Dec–Feb); closed Mon from early Jan to end Feb and New Year's Day
Late April–May (shibazakura), September–October (cosmos)
Shinrin-koen Station (Tobu Tojo Line), then bus to south/west gate (60–70 min from Ikebukuro)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Shibazakura (moss phlox) covers entire hillsides in pink and white in late April
- 2
304 hectares of managed forest completely free of crowds on weekdays
- 3
Cycling rentals at the entrance allow full exploration without walking
Local Tips
One of the Kanto region's most underrated parks — 304 hectares of mixed forest on ancient burial mound terrain. The nemophila (baby blue eyes) display in spring, while smaller than Hitachi, is far less crowded. The park is ideal for trail running and forest bathing. Combine with Yoshimi Hundreds of Caves (ancient burial caves, 15 min by car).
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