“The perfect park is a rare thing, you can spend your whole life looking for it, and it wouldn’t be a wasted life” – Last Samurai probably?
A short trip from Haneda Airport, the city of Ota is a lesser-known part of Tokyo prefecture that was formed by merging two towns Omori and Kamata during the Tokyo Metropolis transformation. It certainly has a unique vibe nowadays, encompassing a range of people from locals to travelers passing by.
Exploring Senzokuike Park
Within the city of Ota is a central park known as Senzokuike Park, situated in front of Senzokuike station on the Gotanda railway line. Home to some of the most serene walking trails I’ve seen in Tokyo, the walkway circles around a massive body of water known as the Senzoku Pond.
I spent 4 nights in Ota during my trip to EVO Japan 2025 where I stayed at a hostel called Samurai Stay. Surrounded by residential houses, buildings, and convenience stores, it had a very modern suburban atmosphere. However, around the corner from the hostel was this massive piece of nature that looked like an entrance to the wilderness, almost like a national park, and that was Senzokuike Park.
Crystal Clear Waters
The park primarily circled around the Senzoku Pond which was a stunning pool of water surrounded by an abundance of trees and shrubs. Indeed, the moment you walk into Senzokuike Park you become mesmerized by its beauty and begin to feel very far away from the modern city vibe of Tokyo. I was quite surprised to know that you can find such massive areas of natural beauty in a place like Tokyo, but I guess you can always count on hidden gems to knock down the concrete jungle stereotypes.
Stunning Walkways
The pavement at Senzokuike Park is very well maintained, and you’ll often find people walking, jogging, or just sitting on the many benches along the pathway. It’s a super clean environment with plenty of shade during the day and bright lamp posts during the night. Personally, I think the park looks best in the evening, just around the twilight zone, where it’s still bright enough to see everything, but the skies and Senzoku Pond take on a mystical indigo color.
Bridges & Shrines
There are many bridges and shrines throughout Senzokuike Park, two of my favorite features of Japan. These bridges allow you to get close and intimate with the Senzoku Pond, and the shrines give it a nice touch of authenticity. I would never be caught doing it, but many locals stop to clap their hands together and bow when passing these torii gates, giving the park a unique vibe with a somewhat religious dynamic of sorts.
Senzokuike Park is Perfect!
Whether you’re finishing a long day of work or are just passing through Ota city like I was, Senzokuike Park is the perfect escape from modern city life. Embrace nature by strolling through the scenic walkways and leave some time for reflection as you gaze out into the Senzoku Pond while being dazzled by the distant lights of Ota city!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!