Last weekend, we headed west for the first time, taking the Tobu Tojo train to Shinrin Koen (Forest Park). There’s a pretty awesome Forest Park back home too and times like these feel like we’re back in the great, green Pacific Northwest.
We rented bikes and rode most of the 17 kilometer (about 10.5 miles) path around the park. The paths wind through the trees, and around ponds, fountains, arboretums, playgrounds and art installations. A great day trip and definitely on the list of places to return again and again.
Fountain at the south gate of Shinrin Koen
These gnomes protected the fountain at the south gate of Shinrin Koen
These kids were learning how to rope climb
Ponpoko Mountain—We should have known this wasn’t a real mountain when we had to climb downhill to get there
The fountain at Memorial Plaza in Shinrin Koen. Snack shack had rose ice cream. Delicious!
I’ve always wanted a cruiser bike
Kids: Do not try bike selfies at home
Map of the cycling course at Shinrin Koen
We had to walk a couple kilometers from the train station to the park. Stay on the walking path… or meet your fate!
The train emptied out a couple stops before the park. We’ve never been on a train this empty in Japan.
We passed this recently flooded rice field on the way to Shinrin Koen. The growing season is just starting.
5 Comments
Looks like you had a great day. Lovely looking park too. How does it compare to Forest Park in Portland?
The last time I was at Forest Park it was to train for a trail run half marathon, so this was a lot less running. The trails and the greenery just give a sense of Oregon.
I would have stolen one of those gnomes, for sure.
I’m pretty sure they were ninja gnomes (or should I say “gninja”)!
We totally thought of you when we saw them!