Located on the outskirts of Shinjuku city, Toyama Park is one of the most stunning parks in Tokyo and a hidden gem overlooked by tourists.
How I discovered Toyama Park
During one of my visits to Tokyo, I stayed in the lesser-known town of Shin-Okubo. Just one stop from Shinjuku, my hotel was located just outside the train station where the busiest train line in the world, the Yamanote Line, would operate.
With the constant rattling of train tracks that could be heard every minute of the day as trains came and went, I longed for a peaceful getaway. Walking along the streets of Shin-Okubo in search of tranquility, I stumbled across a gift from mother nature known as Toyama Park.
How I actually found it…
To be totally honest though, I found Toyama Park using Google maps, like the commoner I am. With the constant noise from Shin-Okubo station, the nearby school, and the marketplace outside my hotel, I made a conscious effort to look for a park in the surrounding area.
Hence, I did not stumble upon Toyama Park so much as I simply followed my map to get there. Just a 5-minute walk from my hotel or a 10-minute walk from Shin-Okubo station, you’d be surprised how quickly things turn from hustle and bustle to peace and quiet.
What’s the vibe like?
The walking path at Toyama Park stretches and swerves in a way that gives you the full experience of what the park has to offer. From the many different tree and bush species to the playgrounds and mini overhead bridges, you can soak in the park’s many different views.
In the early mornings during the week, Toyama Park can be quite lively with parents taking their children to the playgrounds. Around lunchtime, you can find high schoolers and university students engaging in extra-curricular activities like baseball, soccer, and dance practice.
“Komorebi” (木漏れ日)
“Komorebi” is a Japanese word that literally means “sunlight filtering through trees.” At one point or another, we’ve all seen a spectacular view of the sunrise or sunset seeping through the tall leafy trees, often left with no words to describe it other than “heavenly light” (or something).
It sure is handy to have a word that describes this beautiful and divine phenomenon. Toyama Park is easily my favorite place to view komorebi because of its tall and thin trees that simply invite the sunlight to filter through and bathe its surroundings with divine light.
Autumn leaf paradise!
I was fortunate enough to live near Toyama Park during Japan’s autumn season in November as just about every tree took on a golden brown color scheme. The grounds were covered in crisp yellow and brown leaves as the crunchy cracking sounds could be heard with every step.
If you visit Toyama Park on a slightly breezy autumn day, you’ll have the added bonus of seeing countless leaves blowing off the trees and into the wind. To get the best out of the park’s komorebi, fresh air, and tranquil vibes, I would recommend visiting in the early hours of the morning.
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