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5 Cosmos Gardens In and Around Tokyo

Don’t Miss The Capital’s Stunning Floral Fall Scenery

By Elizabeth Sok |
October 6, 2023 |
In Season

While less well-known than sakura, cosmos are also a beloved flower in Japan and the symbol of early autumn. The five gardens below, which are within or near the Tokyo Metropolitan area, are all blessed with beautiful fall scenery, replete with fields of quintessential cosmos flowers.

Introduced to Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912), cosmos or akizakura, translating literally to “fall cherry blossoms,” are one of the most well-known autumn flowers. They are popular for their bright orange, yellow and most commonly, pink and magenta blooms. Originally from Mexico, cosmos made their way to Spain at the end of the 18th century. There, they were named “cosmos” because of their orderly overlapping petals which reminded explorers of the Greek word “kosmos” meaning “order,” “world” and “harmonious arrangement”. Japan fell in love with this fall beauty and now has cosmos gardens in Tokyo dedicated to presenting their loveliness as the weather cools down.

Indeed, viewing vast fields of these tall delicate flowers swaying in the breeze will surely inspire the photographer in you to visit the parks below to catch a snapshot of their harmonious seasonal beauty.

1. Hamarikyu Gardens

In the heart of Tokyo lies Hamarikyu Garden, a green paradise for city dwellers desiring a respite from the concrete jungle. Hamarikyu Garden is a picturesque landscape garden and was originally constructed as part of a feudal lord’s residence and duck hunting grounds during the Edo period (1603-1867). In autumn, the garden becomes resplendent with its abundant array of 300,000 cosmos plants. There are several varieties of cosmos planted in the garden with yellow cosmos bursting on the scene in September, with a second round of pink and magenta cosmos blooming come October. Along with cosmos flowers, Hamarikyu Garden also has gorgeous maple and gingko trees and a quiet tea house where you can enjoy the autumn view while sipping a cup of green tea.

Address: 1 Hamarikyu Gardens, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Nearest Station: Shiodome Station on the Toei Oedo Subway Line or the Yurikamome elevated train
Admission Fees: Adults: ¥300, 65 years and older: ¥150, Elementary children and younger: Free!
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (entry until 4:30 p.m.)

2. Showa Memorial Park

Located in the city of Tachikawa, a suburb of western Tokyo, Showa Kinen Kouen (Showa Memorial Park) is the largest park in the metropolitan area at around 160 hectares and is filled with green spaces, walking trails, cycling paths, flower gardens, museums, sports facilities, water play areas and much more. The park is famous for its beautiful flower displays and an impressive 4.4 million cosmos flowers ranging in color from yellow to pink which come into bloom in September and October. A cosmos festival is also held in the park during this period featuring cosmos flower picking areas and photography workshops to help you best capture the fall foliage and blossoms. This year, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the opening of the park, special photo spots have been placed around the gardens to highlight the beauty of the natural scenery.

Address: 3173 Midori-cho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo
Nearest Station: Tachikawa Station, about a 30-minute train ride on the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station.
Admission Fees: Adults: ¥450, 65 years and older: ¥210, Students and children under 15 years: Free!
Hours: Mar. 1-Oct. 31: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Nov. 1 to the end of Feb.: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Apr. 1 to Sep. 30 on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

3. Koganei Park

Located along the banks of the Tamagawa River in western Tokyo, the Tokyo Metropolitan Koganei Park is the second largest park located in Tokyo, at 80 hectares and is beloved by Tokyoites for its vast greenery, tree groves, flower gardens, playgrounds, tennis courts, a retired steam locomotive and even a bird sanctuary for avid bird watchers. When cosmos bloom during the early autumn, the park hosts an annual festival that is fun for all ages and includes picnicking and picturesque photo opportunities. The festival is taking place on October 9th this year from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located in the Tsutsuji-yama Field area of the park. Don’t miss this chance to view 50,000 red, white and pink-colored cosmos in bloom while enjoying a relaxing picnic.

Address: 1-13-1 Sekinomachi, Koganei City, Tokyo
Nearest Station: Higashi Koganei Station, about a 25-minute ride on the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station
Admission Fees: Free!
Hours: Always open

4. Akirudai Park

This park located in Akiruno City, another western Tokyo suburb, is famous for its many large and beautiful flower gardens featuring cosmos as well as roses and poppies. A grand central fountain allowing for water play during the summer, a barbecue area and an all-season professional athletic field round out the attractions ensuring a fun day for the whole family. During the fall, the area known as Cosmos Hill becomes filled with a variety of blooming cosmos flowers, about 1,000 plants in total. Gaze upon these multicolored beauties and take in the sights of the nearby mountains and adjacent gardens from atop an observatory. The cosmos are in full bloom from mid-September to early October so make sure to plan your trip for then!

Address: 673-1 Ninomiya, Akiruno City, Tokyo
Nearest Station: Higashi-Akiru Station or Akikawa Station on the JR Itsukaichi Line, about a one hour ride from Shinjuku Station with a line transfer
Admission Fees: Free!
Hours: Always open

5. Cosmos Arena Fukiage

In addition to its 400-year history of crafting hina ningyo (dolls displayed during March’s Girls’ Festival), the city of Konosu in Saitama prefecture is known for its wide array of flowers. The sheer volume that Konosu grows is staggering—it has the largest poppy field in the country and grows the most marigolds, salvia and primroses as well. Come autumn, cosmos take center stage, as 12 million of them bloom along the flood plains of the Arakawa River. At the end of September through October, the Cosmos Arena Fukiage is awash with orange cosmos while the second half of October brings a wider array of colorful cosmos. The field of cosmos makes for a particularly impressive view with the Arakawa Suikan Bridge, the longest water pipe bridge in Japan, in the background. Near the end of the month, the garden hosts a cosmos festival which allows visitors a rare experience of taking pictures from the bridge. Whether you are an avid or amateur photographer, don’t miss this opportunity to snap this unique scenery.

Address: 636-1 Akeyo, Konosu-shi, Saitama
Nearest Station: Fukiage Station, about an hour ride on the Shonan Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku Station
Admission Fees: Free!
Hours: Always open