We met up with the group at Koganei Park in front of the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. There is a large grassy area with lots of cherry trees. We sat down for a bit of hanami (picnic under cherry blossoms). We ate our lunch and then the kids quickly began to play. There were Frisbees, rugby balls, and a soccer ball being tossed about.
After everyone had eaten and played a bit, we started our walk around the park. We wandered from bloom filled area to bloom filled area.
The park is huge and when some trees were not in bloom, we just wandered elsewhere and found some. Since we did not give up, we were handsomely rewarded.
My favorite trees were the Shidarezakura or weeping cherry. The branches hang down like curtains. While they were not at peak season, they were still really breathtaking.
At the end of our hike around the park, some of the kids hit one of the playgrounds. My son and I decided to go our own way and find the bounce area. My kid loves to jump and this area was right up his alley. I have heard of this kind of play equipment being installed at a couple parks, but I hadn't seen it for myself. My son was so excited to jump on the big pillow. I was excited it was free. I expected it to cost a chunk of change.
This beautiful, expansive park is a sight to be seen. It takes about 15 minutes to hike from the train station to the park, but I hear you can take a bus if you don't want to hoof it.
I've noticed that going on these hikes is so much more than getting outside for me. I've been relishing having so many conversations with moms, foreigners, and outdoor-oriented families. It is been wonderful for my spirit. It is also wonderful for my son. I'm so glad we ventured out with them.
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