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Tokiwa Park Revisited 2023 |
I visited and explored Tokiwa Park during my Asahikawa day trip last November 21, 2021 (Sunday). It was my 3rd weekend here in Hokkaido Prefecture and also my 20th day here as an ALT under the JET Programme. I had the chance to revisit the shrine on February 11, 2023, while attending the 2023 Asahikawa Winter Festival with the Tomamae Gang. By then, it was my 467th day here in Japan.
Tokiwa Park details
WINTER
For those who missed my first article, Tokiwa Park (常磐公園) is a large public park located in the heart of Asahikawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. Also known by names like Tokiwakoen, Joban Park, and Asahikawa Park, it was initially established on Nakajima Island in 1897, nestled between the Ishikari and Ushibetsu Rivers. A pond, Chidorigaike, was added in 1919 and completed after four years, enhancing the park's serene landscape.
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Tokiwa Park - Asahikawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Today, Tokiwa Park offers a variety of activities for visitors. For those seeking relaxation, a stroll around Chidorigaike Pond provides beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere. The park also features wooded areas where visitors can unwind and connect with nature.
Photos in Tokiwa Park
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Chidorigaike Pond is covered in snow |
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Former Asahikawa City Observatory as seen from the other side of Chidorigaike Pond |
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千鳥ヶ池 |
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Fish and Birds Monument |
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Statue of Michiyuki Iwamura |
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Hokkaido Asahikawa Museum of Art |
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Asahikawa Central Library |
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Inside Asahikawa Central Library |
Culturally inclined visitors can explore the Hokkaido Asahikawa Museum of Art, located in the park's southwestern section, which houses an extensive collection and hosts exhibitions from both local and international artists. The Central Library and Hokkaido Learning Center Asahikawa Satellite Space are also nearby on the park's western side.
Tomamae Gang visits Tokiwa Park
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The Backpack Adventures revisits Tokiwa Park |
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Tomamae Gang in Tokiwa Park |
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Mike and Jon enjoyed taking photos around the park |
For a spiritual experience, Kamikawa Shrine is a must-visit. Located on an island in Chidorigaike Pond, this century-old shrine offers religious amulets and goshuin (temple/shrine seals) for collectors. Personally, I received my first goshuin in Hokkaido at Kamikawa Shrine, adding to the charm of this peaceful and culturally rich park.
Tokiwa Park Entrance Fee
It's FREE to enter Tokiwa Park and explore its grounds but you need to pay an admission fee to enter the Asahikawa Museum of Art.
Tokiwa Park Operating Hours
Tokiwa Park is open 24/7 but the library, museum, and shrine all have different operating hours.
Why visit Tokiwa Park?
Visiting Tokiwa Park offers a blend of nature, culture, and history, making it an ideal destination for various interests. The park’s serene atmosphere, with its beautiful Chidorigaike Pond and wooded areas, provides a peaceful escape for those looking to relax and connect with nature. For culture enthusiasts, the park is home to the Hokkaido Asahikawa Museum of Art, showcasing a wide range of local and international artworks, as well as the Central Library and Hokkaido Learning Center. Spiritual seekers can visit Kamikawa Shrine, a historic Shinto shrine located on an island within the park, offering religious amulets and goshuin for collectors. Tokiwa Park's mix of scenic beauty, cultural landmarks, and spiritual significance makes it a must-visit in Asahikawa.
Getting to Tokiwa Park
From Asahikawa Station, you can walk to Tokiwa Park by passing through Asahikawa Heiwa Shopping Street. It takes about 15 - 20 minutes.
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