1.Essential Information: Showa Kinen Park Cycling Course
The cycling courses within the park are well-maintained, paved roads dedicated exclusively to bicycles, designed for a safe and comfortable riding experience.
Total Length: Approximately 14 km
How to Ride: You can either rent a bicycle at the park or bring your own.
Rental Hours: From 9:30 AM until 30 minutes before park closing.
Cycle Centers: There are three locations: Tachikawa Gate, Nishi-Tachikawa Gate, and Sunagawa Gate.
Bicycle Parking: Designated parking areas are located throughout the course. (Please ensure you always park your bike in a designated parking area.)
Rental Bicycle Fees & Types (As of October 2025)
With approximately 2,000 rental bikes available, you can easily enjoy a ride even if you come empty-handed.
Adults (Ages 15 and up): 600 yen for 3 hours
Children (Junior high school students and younger): 350 yen for 3 hours
Tandem Bikes (Specialty bicycles): 1,500 yen for 3 hours
2.Conquer the Major Spots in One Day! A High-Satisfaction Cycling Route
This model route takes about 5 to 6 hours for a full day of adventure. It’s not just about riding the 14km path—it’s designed to allow plenty of time to park your bike at major sights and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful scenery.
[START] Tachikawa Gate Cycle Center
Enter through the Tachikawa Gate and head straight to the Cycle Center to rent a bike, or hop onto the cycling path with your own.
1. The Canal / Stay: 15 min (Photos) A European-style canal. The rows of ginkgo trees in autumn are a must-see, creating a stunning “golden tunnel.”
2. Open Field (Minna-no-Harappa) / Stay: 45 min (Rest & Play) A vast lawn the size of two Tokyo Domes. Park your bike and enjoy a picnic or simply lie down and relax.
3. Japanese Garden / Stay: 60 min (Stroll) Experience traditional Japanese beauty. This is a prime spot for vibrant autumn colors. You can also enjoy matcha green tea here (tea service available). Please park your bike in the designated area.
4. Children’s Forest / Stay: 60 min (Playground) A paradise for kids featuring the “Sea of Clouds” (a giant bouncy dome) and massive wooden play structures. Please park your bike in the designated area.
5. Sunagawa Gate & Cycle Center / Stay: 60 min Park your bike at the Sunagawa Gate Cycle Center and enjoy lunch at the Sunagawa Gate Shop.
6. Flower Hill / Stay: 30 min (Stroll & Photos) The largest flower field in the park. A breathtaking spot where poppies bloom in spring and cosmos cover the hillside in autumn.
7. Stream Side Garden / Stay: 30 min (Stroll) The main venue for the tulip festival (around April). Take a walk and enjoy the beautiful Dutch-style landscape.
8. Waterbird Lake & Boathouse / Stay: 30 min (Boating) Home to the Lakeside Rest House and Boathouse. Try the 2-person pedal boats (extra fee required).
9. [GOAL] Tachikawa Gate Cycle Center Return your rental bike and complete the checkout process.
Key Highlights of This Route
Total Distance: Approximately 14 km (cycling course loop) + walking distance at each stop.
Time Required: Approximately 5 to 6 hours (including breaks and strolling).
Scenery Highlights: Covers all major must-see spots, including the ginkgo tree avenues, flower fields, and the Japanese Garden.
[CAUTION!] When parking your bike to explore on foot, please be sure to use the nearest designated bicycle parking area. Riding bicycles is strictly prohibited outside of the designated cycling courses.
3.Essential Tips for Mastering the Cycling Course
Here are some key tips to help you navigate this vast park smoothly and safely, ensuring you have the best experience possible.
Understand the Course Layout and Characteristics
The cycling paths are mostly paved and easy to ride, but you will encounter some gentle inclines and descents along the way. If you are not confident in your fitness level or are traveling with small children, take it slow and enjoy the ride at your own comfortable pace.
Locate Bicycle Parking and Rest Areas in Advance
Designated bicycle parking areas are available at all major spots, including the Children’s Forest, Japanese Garden, and Stream Side Garden. Always ensure your bike is parked in these designated areas before you set off to explore on foot. Additionally, the park is well-equipped with shops and restrooms, so plan your breaks accordingly to stay refreshed throughout your ride.
Commit to Safe Riding
While the cycling course is dedicated to bicycles, it can become very crowded during weekends and peak flower seasons. Please ride with courtesy and keep the following in mind:
Watch your speed: Avoid cycling at excessive speeds.
No risky overtaking: Do not attempt to overtake others unless it is safe to do so.
Exercise extra caution on curves and slopes: Slow down and stay alert when navigating turns or hills.
To prevent accidents, bicycles with training wheels and pedal-less bikes (such as Strider/kick bikes) are strictly prohibited on the cycling course.
Yes, you can. There are dedicated entrance gates for visitors bringing their own bicycles at the Tachikawa Gate and Nishi-Tachikawa Gate. Please use these entrances when you arrive. Please keep in mind that even with your own bike, riding is strictly limited to the designated cycling courses.
Reservations are not accepted. Rental bicycles are available on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of your visit. Please be aware that during peak seasons—such as the cosmos blooming period or the autumn foliage season—the park can be very crowded. You may experience wait times, or the bicycles may sell out. We highly recommend arriving early (right when the park opens) to ensure you get a bike.
Yes, you can. You may park your bicycle at any of the designated parking areas along the cycling course and board the Park Train from a nearby stop.
There are no rest areas or facilities equipped with electrical outlets for charging smartphones or other devices. If you plan to spend a long time in the park, we highly recommend bringing your own portable power bank.
Cycling through Showa Kinen Park is the ultimate way to feel the vastness of nature and efficiently explore the breathtaking seasonal flowers and stunning landscapes. We hope you use a bicycle to fully enjoy every corner this park has to offer!
This article was brought to you by the editorial team of “Another TOKYO TAMA,” operated by the Tama Tourism Promotion Council. We are dedicated to sharing tourism information for the entire Tama region, including Tachikawa and Akishima City, where Showa Kinen Park is located.
Official Website: Showa Kinen Park
https://www.showakinen-koen.jp/guide-english/
Discover more about the Tama region: “Another TOKYO TAMA”
https://at-tama.tokyo/lang_en/
