With the temperature starting to warm up and with some free Mondays, my husband and I went to Oji City for an afternoon walk sometime last February. Still in Central Tokyo but away from the big crowds, Oji offers a different good solitude ambiance.
I have learned about interesting places to visit in Oji through Find My Tokyo Challenge launched my Tokyo Metro Subway. And we are so happy to tick a few more from that checklist.
A Quiet Monday Walk around Oji
Oji City is a mixed of residential, commercial, and institutional spaces. But despite the changes in the area, it has kept its quaint and historic vibe. It is reachable via Kehin-Tohoku Line or Namboku Line.
Our walk started from the North Exit of Oji Station with a beautiful tunnel welcoming us.
Not far is the Otonashi Shinsui Park which a former valley now turned into a beautiful landscape of boulders, small streams, and fine bridges.
From there we headed to Nanushi-no-taki Garden with brief stops at Oji and Ojiinari Shrines.
Challenge No. 60: Let’s ask Mr. Oishi whether his wish will come true!
Ojiinari Shrine is known for its Rakugo (comic storytelling) of a fox troubled at a nearby Ougiya restaurant. The shrine is on a slope that is why getting to its different areas felt like hiking on a mountain.
Challenge No. 56: Let’s see the waterfall drawn by Ando Hiroshige!
Serenity and Refuge at Nanushi-no-Taki Garden
This garden is a Japanese take on the Secret Garden during the Edo Period. The intricate-designed gate lures its visitors to enter and discover its hidden beauty.
Under the lush green tall trees are different water features such as a big pond and waterfalls connected by a natural looking stream. I enjoyed walking on the wooden bridges and stone steps surrounded by ferns and Aspidistra plants.
There were very few people in the garden that day. Hence, we can clearly hear the sounds of the birds and the flowing water as we walked around.
Enjoying Asukayama Park
After and hour or so, we walked back to the Oji station to explore the other side. Just outside the station is the Asukayama Park. This park is on top of a hill. In summer, people enjoy walking along its slope while looking at the hydrangeas in different hues. As for us, we decided to go up via the small monorail.
Challenge No. 62: Let’s find cherry blossoms that bloom in the fall!
Compared to the places we have been earlier, this park is filled with children’s laughter and excitement. There were already some sakura trees in bloom for people to enjoy hanami.
Challenge No. 57: Let’s time slip in the Jomon period!
West and East Fusion at Kyu-Furukawa Garden
With a a couple of hours left before sundown, we have decided to go to Kyu-Furukawa which is about 10-15 minutes walk from the park towards Tabata.
Inside, we were welcomed by a beautiful English-style mansion adorned by nicely-trimmed hedges. The hallows are planted with varieties of roses waiting for spring. A few steps below are bushes of Rhododendron. No buds or flowers yet but still beautiful to look at because of their forms.
From the western-style rose and Rhododendron Garden, we headed to the enchanting Japanese-style garden.
As we walk back to Nishigahara Station going home, we have both agreed that Oji is now included in our will-visit-again list. Maybe next time when the situation is calmer and safer. Have a good Sunday everyone!