Shinrin Koen

Shinrin Koen

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Last weekend, we headed west for the first time, taking the Tobu Tojo train to Shinrin Koen (Forest Park). There’s a pretty awesome Forest Park back home too and times like these feel like we’re back in the great, green Pacific Northwest.

We rented bikes and rode most of the 17 kilometer (about 10.5 miles) path around the park. The paths wind through the trees, and around ponds, fountains, arboretums, playgrounds and art installations. A great day trip and definitely on the list of places to return again and again.

Shinrin Koen South Gate
Fountain at the south gate of Shinrin Koen
Fountain Gnomes
These gnomes protected the fountain at the south gate of Shinrin Koen
Tree Climbing
These kids were learning how to rope climb
Ponpoko Mountain
Ponpoko Mountain—We should have known this wasn’t a real mountain when we had to climb downhill to get there
Memorial Plaza Fountain
The fountain at Memorial Plaza in Shinrin Koen. Snack shack had rose ice cream. Delicious!
Bike basket
I’ve always wanted a cruiser bike
Bike selfie
Kids: Do not try bike selfies at home
Cycling map
Map of the cycling course at Shinrin Koen
Walking path
We had to walk a couple kilometers from the train station to the park. Stay on the walking path… or meet your fate!
Empty train
The train emptied out a couple stops before the park. We’ve never been on a train this empty in Japan.
Rice fields
We passed this recently flooded rice field on the way to Shinrin Koen. The growing season is just starting.

5 thoughts on “Shinrin Koen”

    • The last time I was at Forest Park it was to train for a trail run half marathon, so this was a lot less running. The trails and the greenery just give a sense of Oregon.

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