Toshi Nogyo-koen Park - a rest point for cyclists, filled with seasonal flowers

Toshi Nogyo-koen Park, or Adachi City Agriculture Park, is a popular resting spot along the Arakawa Riverside for cyclists, offering some of the best flower viewing in Tokyo.

A recreation area with farm gardens, known for flower viewing

Lies on the Arakawa Riverside in the northern area of Tokyo 23 wards, Adachiku Toshi Nogyo-koen Park 足立区都市農業公園 (Nogyo-koen in short) is an agricultural park where people can get familiar with nature and farming in Tokyo. Kids can grow and harvest vegetables in the fields at this park, and visitors enjoy strolling through the flower fields filled with seasonal blooms - - Nanohana(canola), Turnip, Cosmos, and Yae-zakura (Yae Sakura) cherry blossoms.

The vegetable garden in the park. There is also a glasshouse, herb garden as well as green space.

A Good Rest Stop for Cyclists

Toshi Nogyo-koen Park is a go-to spot for cyclists who want to take a break while biking along the Arakawa River. The park has all sorts of handy stuff, like public toilets, some tables to chill at, a picnic area, and even a restaurant with vending machines. You don’t usually find these kinds of amenities along the cycling road by the Arakawa Riverbank.

Riding a bicycle is actually the best way to get to the park, as it is not easily accessible by train. The Arakawa Riverside features one of the best cycling paths in Tokyo, with no traffic lights, allowing you to avoid traffic jams.

The cycling road is along the west side of the riverbank, and Toshi Nogyo-koen Park is on the east side of the riverbank over the river. If you want to stop by the park while traveling on the cycling road, you need to cross one of the bridges to go over the river from the west to the east side. You can also travel by bike on the road along the east side bank, but watch out for runners and walkers there.

Here is a story about the Sakura cherry blossoms at Toshi Nogyo-koen Park
In the early 1900s, a village near the current site of this park became a popular destination for viewing cherry blossoms. The transformation began when the villagers requested the planting of 3,000 cherry trees in 78 different varieties, along with the construction of a new riverbank. These cherry blossoms were collectively referred to as Goshiki Sakura, which means "five-color Sakura" and highlights the vibrant diversity of the blooms. Consequently, the village evolved into a major tourist attraction.

In 1912, the 3000 Goshiki Sakura in 12 varieties were given to Washington D.C. for friendship between Japan and the USA, which are now known as the cherry blossom on the Potomac River. The first Goshiki Sakura blossoms in the village were gone later due to the war and extensive urbanization, but the cherry trees were donated for recovery by Washington D.C. in 1981. Those of 82 blossoms in 34 varieties have been planted in the Toshi Nogyo-koen Park.

If you're planning to take a bike ride there in mid-April, consider using the side path beneath the expressway. Although the ride might be a bit uncomfortable, you'll be rewarded with beautiful cherry blossoms lining the path that leads to Nogyo Koen Park.

This park boasts 290 cherry blossoms in 49 different varieties.

The Former Asano Family House built in the Edo period. This old farmhouse rebuilt in the park

Adachiku Toshi Nogyo-koen: Adachi City Tokyo Agricultural Park

Opening hours

Monday to Friday: 9:00AM – 17:00 (5:00PM) between September and April
Monday to Friday: 9:00AM – 18:00 (6:00PM) between May and August
* Farm house and exhibition rooms close at 16:00(4:00PM)
* Visitor center and workshop rooms close at 16:30(4:30PM)

Admission: Free

Getting there

The best way is to get there by bicycle. The park is not within easy access by train, needs you to take a bus from one of the stations; Nishiarai Station or Akabane Station. For those coming by car, there is a parking lot with a fee of 100JPY/30min per car.

By Bus
From Nishiarai Station
Take a community bus Harukaze No.4 bound for Shikahama Toshi Nogyo Koen 鹿浜都市農業公園.
From Akabane Station (East Exit)
Take the Kokusai Kogyo Bus bound for Nishiarai Station via Arakawa Ohashi * 荒川大橋経由西新井駅 and get off at the bus stop Shikahama Gochome 鹿浜五丁目. 5 min walk to the park.
* Be sure to take the bus bound for Nishiarai Station via Arakawa Ohashi. There are two bus routes leading to Nishiarai Station.

Google Maps : Toshi Nogyo-koen Park (Tokyo Agricultural Park)
https://goo.gl/maps/GDFFv5yAaH82

Related websites

Adachiku Toshi Nogyo-koen Park Official Website
https://toshino.ces-net.jp

Related article on digi-joho TOKYO
Cycling in Tokyo