Show me the flowers

I have been wanting to break out for a while.  There is still so much of Tokyo to explore and see.  I think you can be here for years and years and still not see it all.  So often I read about parks and gardens, but I don't go because it too far and I don't know what to expect or how to plan for it.  I enjoy being adventurous, as does my son, but he has his limits. 

As we were getting up this morning, I asked my son if he wanted to have a nice quiet day at home or if he wanted to go on another Hike it Baby adventure.  He replied with an emphatic "Hike it Baby!!!"  We had to hurry to get out the door, but we made it. 

The train was super crowded and it made me second guess heading out so early.  I detest packed trains.  I don't think I will ever get used to them.  But talking to my son and knowing our destination helped me to power through.  As soon as we transferred trains, it was not so crowded and I was happy we were on our way.

After traveling for an hour and a half, we finally arrived at Nishi Tachikawa Station.  Just outside the station is the entrance to Showa Kinen Park.  You have to pay to enter this park, but it is only ¥450 per adult and children are free.  I have wanted to go to this park for a while, as I've seen photos of it here and there, but between the travel time and cost, I postponed and postponed.  This past week, I've been more willing to go further because we were meeting other people and the agenda was planned for me.  Suddenly, the distance didn't seem like such a burden.

We arrived a bit early so I could buy my ticket from the vending machine and then FaceTime with a girlfriend.  We have a standing video chat that I didn't want to break.  We had a nice chat while my son ran around like a crazy person.  Once the group began to assemble, I hung up and joined them.

Everyone circled around and introduced themselves.  There were several familiar faces, which was so nice.  We walked into the park and headed down the path.

Showa Kinen is a beautiful park.  It is very manicured and full of flowers.  There were tulips and bluebells laid out in pristine gardens.  Cherry trees dotted the park in groups.  Bright yellow rapeseed stood tall in large clumps.

We sat in the lawn under a cherry tree for lunch.  Each time we dine under the light pink blooms, I feel really connected to Japan.  Having a picnic under the spring blossoms has been a cherished tradition for centuries here.  No matter how chilly, if the blooms are out, so are the people.

The park is huge.  We wandered around the loop and found the children's playground.  Our kids shot right off to play, play, play.  It was a huge and impressive park, with play equipment for a variety of ages.  I heard there is a Children's Forest in another area of the park, which is filled with climbing structures for older kids.  Since we were with a group of mostly smaller children, we stuck to the playground.  My son doesn't mind as long as he can play. 

I could have stayed at the park all day.  The wind was very cold and strong, but the kids were having so much fun.  The scenery was so lovely.  I let him play until just us and one other family were left.  It was after 4 pm by the time we finally walked back to the train station. 

I can totally see myself heading back to this park.  I feel like we barely scratched the surface of what it has to offer because it is so vast.