A truly great urban park is a complex, living thing. From peaceful respite to lively playplace, it reveals itself in different ways, depending on who you are and what you need right now. Rinshi no Mori Kōen is one of those special places that’s worth seeking out whether you’re looking for solitude and a good park bench, a sunny picnic spot, or a refreshing place to stroll.
The park offers people a timeless kind of joy. Even during the depths of the pandemic, when shops were closed and it was a little anxiety-inducing to ride the train, this place let visitors relax, get out for a while, and forget about the state of the world.
Although it opened as a city park in 1989, the place has a history going back to 1900, when the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce first established it as an experimental nursery. As a result, there’s an unusual variety of trees here, some of which are as old as they are enormous. Their looming presence mutes the sounds of the city and brings its own music of shimmering leaves and the chatter of crows dancing among the branches.
Mornings are quiet and restorative, with folks walking their dogs, going for a jog, or maybe practicing tai chi in the field. Later, the air is punctuated with giggles when people start showing up with their kids. Rinshi no Mori ebbs and flows along with the city.
When the weather’s good, one of the grassy areas is prime territory for picnicking, especially during cherry blossom season. The pond in the middle offers striking views from all directions, and it takes on new beauty with every passing season. There are also small paths off the main walkway where you can wander among the trees.
Nestled right in between Meguro and Shinagawa Wards, Rinshi no Mori Park is convenient to buses along Meguro Dori on one side and Meguro Line trains on the other. The next time you crave a nature break, stop by and see how the park reveals itself to you.