Asukayama Park is a large public park on a high ridge to the west of JR Oji Station in Kita Ward.

The square on the west side of the park
The square on the west side of the park | Photo by Gregory Lane

The park is especially popular in cherry blossom season, with mature sakura trees spread throughout the park. The cherry trees were first planted by Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune, although there’s not much sign of 200 year old cherry trees now. After the Edo Period, Asukayama Park—along with Ueno Park and Shiba Park—was among the first public parks to be opened in Japan.

The Asukayama Park Monorail climbs the hill
The Asukayama Park Monorail | Photo by Gregory Lane

From Oji Station, the quickest way into the park is via the Asukayama Park Monorail—probably the shortest, slowest, and smallest passenger monorail in the world. The free journey between the bottom and top stations takes less than two minutes.

Suggested Activity
Challenge Sumo Wrestlers and Enjoy Lunch
Eat, train, and fight like a real Japanese sumo wrestler during this sumo demonstration and authentic 'Chanko Nabe' (hotpot) meal.
Entrance to the Paper Museum
The Paper Museum | Photo by Gregory Lane

Also located in the park are three museums (The Paper Museum, The Shibusawa Memorial Museum and the Kita City Asukayama Museum), a couple of preserved trains, a children’s playground, and a cafe.

Asukayama Park Playground
Asukayama Park Playground | Photo by Gregory Lane

Aside from its popularity during the cherry blossom season, the park is popular with local families and also with musicians looking for a place to practice with their noisy instruments.

Asukayama Park path
The main path in Asukayama Park | Photo by Gregory Lane

The park is a relaxing spot to escape from the surrounding concrete jungle. However, if you’ve got limited time and you’re visiting outside cherry blossom season, you could give it a miss. It’s just a park—with a very unique monorail.