Lawn Plaza (芝生広場)

Flow of the course

About this spot

Toyama Park was created on the site of the Owari Tokugawa family villa from the Edo period and is divided into two areas, Okubo and Hakoneyama. The Okubo area has a lawn plaza and playground equipment, and if you choose a spot under the trees you can settle down and open your bento. What makes this park interesting is that although it sits close to the centre of Shinjuku City, once you are surrounded by trees the sense of the city fades. It is natural to rest a while after eating and then walk over to the Hakoneyama area. There are restaurants nearby too, so on days when you have not brought a bento you can eat out instead.

Tips

Buying your bento and drinks around Takadanobaba or Waseda stations before entering the park makes things smoother. Rubbish must be taken home, so bring a bag. Shaded spots fill up quickly at lunchtime, so securing one early is reassuring. Avoid entering the water right after eating; using the walk and climb up Mt. Hakoneyama as digestion time works out nicely.

Best time to visit

About 50 minutes. The trick is to wait out the strong midday sun in the shade

Access & map

〒169-0072 東京都新宿区大久保３丁目５−１