Aviation Memorial Park

To continue with my Saitama adventures, lets jump right into Tokorozawa’s Airport Park (空港公園). Just to give you some context on how I got there. Basically, Maki-san told me that the cherry blossoms there would be extraordinary. And since I was bound for the city hall again, why not check it out? Now, admittedly on my various walks through dense suburban areas I found myself wondering on which side I was supposed to walk – left or right? You see, in many places the houses are only one air conditioner (Eakon / エアコン) apart from each other and the streets don’t have side walks. Instead, they simply have these white lines, which sometimes allocate a strip as tight as 50cm to pedestrians. To be fair, I received conflicting information on this from different people, and while the floors in public buildings usually provide some guide lines, it can often go against your acquired expectations. Because of this, I found myself following bread crumbs instead of simple universal rules. After my research, even though the exceptions seem to be plenty, walking on the left side is the general way to go.

Anyways, finally we have arrived at the Aviation Park. On your way there from the station with the same name you likely already passed a Family Mart (ファミマート), a bunch of historic air planes and some grinning geezers. My first time there the cherry trees had yet to blossom. However, since I visited more than once, consider this post an amalgamation of sorts. Whats more, on my first visit I was not only disappointed by a lack of sakura, but also by my other failing plans. Famous tea house? Closed. Ramen shop? Closed! I’m sure you can figure out the reason for as to why.
In stark contrast to that, people seemed very laid back, refusing to be shaken by any sort of pandemic or whatever else was seemingly brewing. This joyfulness was very present throughout the park. Japanese parks in general seem to be the perfection of what parks are supposed to be – wide, peaceful public greenery with the chance for people to meet up and celebrate life under the sun. Wanting to enjoy and soak in this blissful atmosphere, I grabbed a matcha-flavored soft ice and sat down in the shade of some vines.

To provide you with at least some kind of impression, please check out the above audio recording from Kuukou Koen. It was taken close to the spot in the photo, the heart of the park, so to speak. If you wondered why the park is called Tokorozawa Aviation Memorial Park, that’s because from April 1, 1911 onward this place served as Japan’s first airfield. This historic event of the country’s first lift-off is further commemorated in the Aviation Museum or by art sculptures and exhibits scattered throughout the park.

Here is a glimpse of what might await you in case you decided to visit the park during cherry blossom (桜) season. Apparently, the park is quite famous for its sakura appeal – I can definitely see why. Apart from me there were plenty other people taking pictures, strolling around or even enjoying sake under these mesmerizing trees. In the end, I took way too many pictures. However, in my opinion a camera lens will never do these places justice, so you’ll just have to visit Japan yourself to experience it.
In case Tokorozawa peaked your interest and you plan to visit even just for a day-trip from downtown Tokyo, you can check out this official guide book. If you do, please do me a favor and check out the supposedly legendary tea house in the parks center. Since I was unable to visit, a message from inspired readers would be awesome to hear. To conclude this post, I’d love to thoroughly recommend this place. If you get the chance to visit, maybe take half a day just to stroll through the park, visit the museum or enjoy some delicious traditional tea. Aigth, that’s it. Enjoy your day, enjoy your life and live the dream. Peace!