Tokyo Escapes: Showa Kinen Koen
Showa Kinen Koen 昭和記念公園 is a huge park in Tachikawa 立川, about a 40-minute train ride from Shinjuku on the JR Chuo Line.
There are tons of things to do there, like have a huge-ass barbecue with lots of friends, take a paddle boat out for a spin on the lake, play all kinds of sports, or just chill and enjoy a natural setting you won’t see too much of near downtown Tokyo.
I went there to play disc golf with a couple of friends recently and found myself hooked on this cool outdoor activity that may be something you can do even better with beer, like bowling. I mean, shit, if table tennis can be an olympic sport, bring on the disc golf, baby!
Maestro E sends a masterful drive across the fairway, setting himself up for an excellent birdie chance.
JC finesses a shot, hoping to get some love from the wind and a favorable hook back toward the hole.
It gives me a bit of a warm feeling to think that maybe this elderly couple decided to get a dog and spoil it rather than the proper little bastard of a grandkid that their self-indulgent son or daughter created.
Anyway, if you love all the nature you can handle within a controlled environment, Japanese-style… Showa Kinen Koen is the place for you. Definitely get out there for a little head-clearing the next time you feel like punching out a douchebag on the Yamanote line.
Here’s a link to their English Webpage for further information.
An American living in Tokyo. Can be seen bounding through Shinjuku Station most mornings, teeth gnashing, eyes bulging, a cup of cheap coffee clenched in one fist and a satchel in the other. God help those who don't see him coming.
May 26th, 2010 at 1:02 am
“like have a huge-ass barbecue with lots”
My ears perked like a dog that hears…”go get em’ boy”
Nice pics and I’m starting my Summer BBQ plans from today! Thanks for the reminder
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May 26th, 2010 at 6:12 am
昭和記念公園is located only that far from Shinjuku? I thought there is no that big park in the suburbs of Tokyo within 1 hour of car/train riding. What is the “disc golf” Is is similar to a frisbee? But it sounds like the edge is so sharp and you might get a cut from it when you receive it. The dog (Golden retriever) is so cute. He/she looks enjoying the cart riding with his/her “grandparents”.
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May 26th, 2010 at 10:29 am
@Chris B:
Hard to top the BBQs that you put on, but going to give it a try this summer.
@Taeko:
The discs aren’t so good for playing catch, but not dangerous unless you’re too close to the thrower… they get a lot of speed on them.
As for the dog, it was actually a Cocker Spaniel. Nobody should ever spoil a Retriever like that because they’re such awesome dogs because that can carry their own weight.
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May 28th, 2010 at 7:28 am
you didn’t just diss the sport I played in high school did you?
(table tennis)
Looks worth checking out, added it on the possible places to check out when in japan list
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