Recommended for a stroll with three generations of parents and children [Araiyakushi Park and Araiyakushi Baishoin]

Hello. I'm Mariko, a Nakano Tourism Reporter. This time, I'd like to introduce two of my favorite spots that my family, who have a 1-year-old and a 2-year-old, visit frequently. Not only can small children have fun, but adults can also take a walk or relax. Arai Yakushi Park and Arai Yakushi Baishoin are perfect spots for family outings.

There is playground equipment that even siblings of different ages can enjoy.

The large site is divided into east and west sides by Nakano-dori, but the playground equipment is located in the east area. The first thing that catches your eye is the large playground equipment with athletic equipment. There are three slides, ranging from a low one to a large one that about four people can slide side by side, to a high one with a slight angle, so children of a wide age range can enjoy it, from toddlers to elementary school students.

My 2-year-old son also bravely tries the higher slide. I always watch him nervously, thinking "isn't it too early?", but he seems to be inspired by his older brothers and sisters and joins in. My 1-year-old daughter enjoys the lower slide at a leisurely pace.

There are three swings, one of which is a chair-type swing with a backrest and a stopper in front for safety. On the day we went, it was unusually empty because we went early in the morning, but this type seems to be popular and there is often a line of people waiting.

There are also benches with tables where adults can take a break while the children play, or bring a packed lunch and enjoy a picnic atmosphere.

There is also a sandbox, a hill, drinking fountains and toilets (baby strollers are allowed and there are diaper changing beds available).

Arai Yakushi Park is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo, having served as the main venue for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Another attraction is that there are various ways to enjoy it depending on the season, such as opening the splash pool in the summer.

I found a children's center in a corner of the park. It was closed on the day I visited, so I couldn't see what it was like inside, but it seems like anyone can use it, so I'd like to come back another time (there is a rotation system for parents with infants and toddlers, and elementary, junior high, and high school students. Opening hours vary depending on the season).

A relaxing stroll through a temple that is also said to bring good luck to raising children

Another recommended spot is Arai Yakushi Baishoin, located next to the park. It is a historic temple that is said to have blessings for eye diseases and child rearing. The main hall and the Fudo Hall are located within the spacious grounds, and the temple has a calm atmosphere no matter when you visit, allowing you to spend a relaxing time there. Antique markets, seasonal festivals, and a festival day on the 8th of every month are held, and the temple seems to be bustling with people on those days.

Except for New Year's visits and seasonal events, it is not very crowded even on holidays, making it a perfect place to take your time and worship or take a stroll. The grounds are not gravel, so you can move around smoothly even with a stroller. In spring, the cherry blossoms and plum blossoms in the temple grounds are in full bloom, so we recommend taking a stroll during that time.

Previously, when I came here with my parents, who love visiting shrines and temples, I was able to play with my children in the park next door while my parents were out exploring, and we were able to spend time together without worrying about each other. I would also recommend this place for outings with three generations of parents and children.

A place I want to keep going back to

The two spots I introduced this time can be enjoyed for a long time even after the children grow up, so they are likely to become standard walking routes for my family in the future. I hope everyone will also try visiting them at least once.

Arai Yakushi Park

Address: 5-4, 4-15 Arai, Nakano-ku, Tokyo

Access: 10 minutes on foot from the south exit of Araiyakushimae Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line

There is no parking available.

Arai Yakushi Baishoin

Address: 5-3-5 Arai, Nakano-ku, Tokyo

Access: 6 minutes on foot from Araiyakushimae Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line

13 minutes walk from Nakano Station on the JR Chuo Line

From the north exit of JR Chuo Line "Nakano Station", take the Kanto bus and get off at "Arai Yakushi-mae" or "Kitano Jinja-mae" bus stop, 1 minute

Phone: 03-3386-1355

Visiting hours: 9:00 to 16:00

Arai Yakushi Baishoin

165-0026 Tokyo, Nakano-ku, Arai 5-3-5

A temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, founded in the 16th century and affectionately known as Oyakushi-sama. Long ago, the daughter of t...