3 Healing Spots around Tachikawa Station in a Commercial Building Area; Refreshing through Nature, Shrines, and Relaxing Entertainment Libraries

Tachikawa City, located in the west area of Tokyo, is developed yearly with huge commercial facilities and office buildings, meantime, it is still a lush green town. This time, we are introducing 3 spots to refresh your mind and body around Tachikawa Station (the principal station in Tachikawa City). We believe families should visit this area because it has an entertainment spot and two places rich in natural beauty for all adults and kids to enjoy together.

“Yagawa Ryokuchi Park,” a rich green in a residential area, a cool place to go

Yagawa Ryokuchi Park has been designated as a green space preservation district under the Regulations for Protection and Restoration of Nature in Tokyo. Although the surrounding area has been redeveloped as a residential district, this regulation keeps that site with abundant greenery. This park is consisted of wetlands and wooded areas, with a stream called Yagawa River. You will find valuable aquatic plants Bur-reed by the river, and you will also see wetland plants as you walk along wooden paths. Many trees growing out of swamps create cool and fresh landscapes that make one wonder if it is Tokyo. Therefore, you can enjoy a refreshing atmosphere.

Hours	Open all year round
Address	3-26 Hagoromocho, Tachikawa City, Tokyo
Access	A 10-minute walk from Nishi-Kunitachi Station, one stop on the Nanbu Line from Tachikawa Station Tachikawa Washington Hotel: A 6-minute cab ride from the hotel
HP	https://www.city.tachikawa.lg.jp/koenryokuchi/kurashi/kankyo/mizutomidori/yagawa.html

“Suwa-Jinja Shrine,” with a history of over 1000 years, has broad precincts that you want to visit while strolling around

Suwa-Jinja Shrine has a long history of 1,200 years. Over the years, the shrine has become famous for its Shishimai (Lion Dance) and Sumo Wrestling. Those traditional Shishimai (Lion) Heads stored in this shrine are designated as cultural properties of Tachikawa City. Tachikawa Suwa-Jinja Shrine is a branch of Suwa-Taisha Shrine in Nagano prefecture, enshrining ‘Takeminakata (a god of Japanese mythology).’ Since Takeminakata is known as a god of heroism, its dedicated Sumo-wrestling ceremony has been held annually on the shrine grounds for about 300 years. In addition, this shrine provides some charms for the eyes and for health, so these are believed to be better healthy daily life. This spot offers a refreshing atmosphere that is quite unique in Tokyo. Why not enjoy strolling here to freshen yourself up?

Hours	8:30AM-5:00PM
Address	1-5-15 Shibasaki-Cho, Tachikawa City, Tokyo
Access	A 10-minute walk from Tachikawa Station Tachikawa Washington Hotel: An 8-minute walk from the hotel
HP	http://www.suwajinja.or.jp/index.html

“Tachikawa Manga Park,” a secret base for all adults and children with 40,000 books for unlimited reading

This Manga Park was opened in March 2013 for adults and kids to enjoy reading. Therefore, it offers unlimited access to about 40,000 books, including comics, magazines, and picture books. Those books are displayed by genre, such as ‘History, Culture, Music,’ ‘Life, Childcare, Health,’ etc., just like general libraries. You will surely enjoy finding new books here. Inside the library, visitors can read while eating snacks on the tatami mats in a relaxing way. In addition, several boxy reading spaces (like Japanese-style closets) create exciting atmospheres to focus on reading more in the boxes. It is a fun spot for many people to enjoy with their families, even on rainy days.

Hours	10:00AM-1:30PM / 2:30PM-6:00PM (Twice daily admission changeover system)
Admission	Adults (Over 15 years old, High school students and older) 400 yen Children 200 yen
Address	3-2-26 Nishiki-Cho, Tachikawa City, Tokyo
Access	A 13-minute walk from Tachikawa Station Tachikawa Washington Hotel: A 10-minute walk from the hotel
HP	https://mangapark.jp/