2018-02-14
Living in Shakujii Koen: What is it Like for Foreigners?
- Advice
Shakujii Koen is located in the Nerima ward in Tokyo, where forest and ponds are found in the unspoiled wilderness surrounding within the metropolis. It is a park that has become a birdwatcher's paradise with the number of birds found here. The Shakujii Park is transformed in the spring for sakura viewing.
The residential area around the Shakujii Park is beautiful and ideal for strolling. There is a great spot for eating at the nearby Ronion Italian restaurant. Historically speaking, the park houses the Shakujii Castle, a significant attraction. However, it does not attract as many tourists as Shinjuku Gyoen Park, Ueno Park or Yoyogi Park, allowing for you to enjoy an equally, if not more, beautiful park without the crowds.
There is a variety of wildlife and lush greenery that make this place a favorite for foreigners who love the outdoors. The swan boats making their way through the pond is a sight to behold along with beautiful birds, making it a romantic place for lovers.
Read more to know about the famous destinations you can visit when you come to Shakujii Koen.
Shakujii Koen: The Green Park in the City
The gorgeous park has become an oasis in the bustling city. You will find tranquility and escape from busy Tokyo life here in this lovely spot.
Access:
- From Tokyo Station, take Tokyo Metro Marunouchi to Ikebukuro to Shakujii Koen (34 minutes)
- From Shibuya Station, take Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Ex to Ikebukuro to Shakujii Koen (29 minutes)
- From Shinjuku Station, take JR Saikyo Local to Shinjuku(Jr) to Ikebukuro to Shakujii Koen (33 minutes)
Famous Locations
Cherry Blossom Viewing in the Park
At the heart of the Shakujii Koen area is the namesake Shakujii Park. This park is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike year round, but the most special time of year is spring. Around April in the Kanto area of Japan, the country’s iconic sakura (cherry blossoms) are in full bloom, marking the beginning of spring. While they delicate blossoms only last for a very short amount of time, around a week or two, residents can easily see the sakura at any time they please. What could be better than walking a few short minutes from your house to see one of the most anticipated times in all of Japan?
Access:
- Address: 〒177-0045 Tōkyō-to, Nerima-ku, Shakujiidai, 一丁目ほか26
- From Shakujii Koen station, go through exit 1 and in less than 10 minutes you will reach the park.
Chihiro Museum
Just a short 13 minute bus ride away from Shakujii Koen station is Chihiro Museum. This museum is named after the late Chihiro Iwasaki, an artist famous for her lively and colorful paintings and illustrations of flowers and children. Both families and adults can enjoy the Chihiro Museum that hosts Chihiro’s beautiful works. Occasionally there are interactive events for children to participate in, such as watercolor painting, making this an excellent family-friendly place to take children to. The Chihiro Museum also provides English, Chinese, Korean, and Russian versions of their website for ease of access for foreigners.
Access:
- Address: 〒177-0042 東京都練馬区 下石神井４丁目７−２
- From Shakujii Koen station, go through exit 1 and go to the south exit bus station. catch the 荻１４ Bus (comes every 10 minutes) and ride 6 stops (approx. 9 minutes) and get off at 上井草駅入口. From that stop walk 400m northeast (approx. 4 minutes)
Emio Shakujii Koen
Part of a chain of department stores by the same Emio name, the Emio Shakujii Koen branch boasts a variety of shops, cafes, a supermarket, and even a Muji, a foreigner favorite for minimalistic design and basic needs at a fair price. After a busy day, you can enjoy Italian food, conveyor belt sushi, or a traditional Japanese set meal that has a variety of vegetables, fish, meats, and rice. If you are looking for any lifestyle goods or daily needs, you can find it all at Emio Shakujii Koen.
Access:
- Address: 3 Chome-23-10 Shakujiimachi, Nerima-ku, Tōkyō-to 177-0041
- You can access Emio directly from Shakujii Koen station as it is connected to the station.
Why Foreigners Live in Shakujii Koen![]()
The Park Outside of the City
People who are looking for a quiet and reserved area that is free from the glitz and glam found in other parts of Tokyo will find Shakujii Koen to be the perfect place for them to settle down. It is a superbly convenient and friendly place to live if you are a family person. Singles will also love the laid back nature of the ward, and it is perfect for people who need to unwind in solitude.
A Walkway of Tranquility
Shakujii Koen, like many other areas in Tokyo, is not only elegant and beautiful, but is lush and perfectly suited to the outdoor lover with its park and lake. The Sampo-ji Lake is nearby, offering a great place to enjoy a beautiful stroll. In addition to walking, one can enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities no matter the season.
Eats and Treats
Food is one of the things that every foreigner is worried about when they come to Tokyo. Shakujii koen has many places you can eat and enjoy both Japanese and Western treats and meals. You can satisfy your hunger when you visit any of the numerous and varied supermarkets and restaurants available near the station as well as by the park.
Conclusion:
Shakujii Koen is an escape for the fast-paced life of Tokyo, making it a perfect getaway for foreigners who want to spend a few hours or days in Tokyo. The place is surrounded by vibrancy and nature that is beautiful and calm. You can forget about the faux bohemianism in places like Kichijioji and indulge in a real natural surrounding that gives you something you will always remember for life.
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