Relax and unwind in the urban natural beauty of Ekoda no Mori Park

Hello. I'm Shimetsuki Yuta, a Nakano Tourism Reporter. When you're living in the city, there are times when you suddenly want to get in touch with nature. You don't just want to look at the trees in a small park, you want to relax in the great outdoors. For people like you, there's a park in Nakano where you can feel the great outdoors in the city. This time, I'd like to introduce you to Ekoda no Mori Park, a quiet forest nestled in the city.

(Overall view of the park)

The grounds surround the Tokyo Comprehensive Health and Welfare Center Ekoda no Mori.

Walking around the park

(Dogwood Hill)

(Forest Entrance Square)

Pond (biotope)

This biotope was created in 2008. It doesn't have a spectacular view, but the trees swaying in the wind next to the water are beautiful, and it's a place that naturally draws you to a halt.

(Multipurpose Plaza)

It also serves as a reservoir for flood prevention. The Ekoda River is adjacent, and water flows into here during heavy rains. It is usually used as an open space, and you can often see children playing ball here after school. Because it is a reservoir, there are no large playground equipment, and it is a pleasant place to walk.

(Jurin Square)

Across the road from the park entrance, Jurin Hiroba spreads out like an enclave. The path is surrounded by tall trees, and as you go further in, you will come across a gazebo. It was renovated when Ekoda no Mori was built, and it has a beautiful and calm atmosphere. Perhaps because it is across the road, there are few people around, and it has the appearance of a secret base.

Park History

During the Edo period, Ekoda no Mori Park was used as a hawk hunting ground for the Shogun. During the Meiji period, it became a tea and mulberry producing area, but in the Taisho period, a tuberculosis sanatorium was established here due to its excellent natural environment. When this sanatorium came under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 1947, it was renamed National Sanatorium Nakano Hospital. It operated for 46 years and closed in 1993. Even now, the Tokyo General Health and Welfare Center Ekoda no Mori is located in the heart of Ekoda no Mori Park. The natural abundance of this park continues to be close to the people who live there, even as it changes form into a tuberculosis sanatorium, hospital, and welfare center.

lastly

(Ekoda Forest Park at night)

Ekoda no Mori Park is also attractive at night. Because it is a large park, there are some dark areas at night. In the dark, the sound of the trees rustling in the wind and the smell of the earth are even more audible. At Ekoda no Mori Park, you can experience the charm of nature that can only be felt in the dark.

Ekoda no Mori Park is a quiet forest in the city. Come and experience the great outdoors that can only be felt here.

(Chibi Nakano is very happy with the autumn leaves. Let's come again.)

Ekoda Forest Park

Address: 3-14 Ekoda, Nakano-ku, Tokyo

Access 1: Take the Kanto Bus (Naka 27) from JR Chuo Line/Tokyo Metro Nakano Station and get off at Ekoda no Mori stop

Access 2: 10 minutes walk from Shin-Ekoda Station on the Toei Oedo Line

Opening hours: 6:00-23:00