Top 5 Reasons to visit Oji
※updated on July 19 2025
Located at the northern edge of Tokyo’s Kita city, Oji is a nature-rich area that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Known for its historic shrines and parks dating back to the Edo period, Oji preserves the nostalgic charm of old Tokyo.
What makes Oji truly unique is its combination of natural beauty and vintage transport systems—such as the Toden Arakawa Line (Tokyo’s last remaining streetcar) and a compact monorail—giving visitors a rare glimpse into Tokyo’s past.
Unlike Tokyo’s busier tourist spots, Oji has a relaxed, local atmosphere that reflects the city’s softer side. With vibrant seasonal changes and a strong sense of community, it’s an ideal destination for international travelers seeking authentic Japanese culture off the beaten path.
Whether you're exploring the lush greenery or visiting historic sites, Oji presents an opportunity to experience "another face of Tokyo"—calm, charming, and deeply rooted in tradition.
1) Enjoy the Full Bloom of Cherry Blossoms at Asukayama Park
Asukayama Park is a famous scenic spot known for its beautiful cherry blossoms. This Japanese-style park offers visitors the unique experience of walking through a tunnel of cherry blossoms during the hanami (flower viewing) season. Located just a 2-3 minute walk from Oji Station, Asukayama Park is a historic urban park with deep cultural significance.
The park’s origins date back to the Edo period when Tokugawa Yoshimune, the 8th shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, ordered the planting of cherry trees here to provide a flower-viewing spot for ordinary people.
When you leave JR Oji Station and head towards the park, you will see a small monorail. The free monorail called “Asukargo” runs from the base of the hill to the top. Although it covers only about 48 meters and takes about 2 minutes, this retro-style monorail offers a charming and unique experience.
After the short 2-minute monorail ride, you will arrive at the summit where cherry blossoms greet you warmly. You will also notice a small stone monument commemorating Asukayama as the lowest mountain in Tokyo, with an elevation of just 25.4 meters.
As you stroll through the park, you will find several stone monuments and historical markers. One such monument is the “Asukayama Monument,” created to honor Tokugawa Yoshimune’s efforts in developing the park and opening it to the public during the Edo period. Thanks to his vision, many people continue to enjoy picnics and hanami in this park today—a truly moving legacy.
The park features around 600 cherry trees, along with seasonal flowers such as hydrangeas and azaleas. There are also three cultural facilities within the park: the Paper Museum, Kita Ward Asukayama Museum, and Shibusawa Memorial Museum, where visitors can learn deeply about Japanese history, industry, and culture.
For families, the park is perfect as it displays real steam locomotives and vintage Tokyo streetcars, and has plenty of playground equipment for children. Situated on a small hill, the park also offers beautiful views overlooking the Toei Arakawa Line and JR railway tracks, making it a popular spot for train enthusiasts.
The best time to visit Asukayama Park is in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Experience the beauty of Japan’s spring season by enjoying the spectacular cherry blossoms at Asukayama Park.
2) Receive blessings at a historic and spiritually significant Oji shrine
Oji Shrine is a revered and historic Shinto shrine located just a 3-minute walk from Oji Station in Tokyo. It is counted among the Tokyo Ten Shrines, a group of shrines chosen for their cultural and historical significance.
The enshrined deities include Amaterasu-Omikami and four other Shinto gods. The shrine is believed to provide divine blessings for warding off evil, child-rearing, and good relationships.
Within the shrine grounds stands a massive ginkgo tree, estimated to be over 600 years old. This ancient tree has been designated as a Natural Monument of Tokyo, adding to the sacred and tranquil atmosphere of the shrine.
Every year in August, Oji Shrine hosts the colorful and vibrant Yari Matsuri (Spear Festival). During the festival, participants parade through the streets in traditional costumes, carrying mikoshi (portable shrines), creating a lively and festive atmosphere that captivates visitors.
The shrine grounds also feature Seki Shrine, which enshrines Semimaru, a deity known as the god of hair. This unique spiritual site draws people seeking blessings related to hair health and beauty, making it a rare and popular destination for a special kind of worship.
Surrounded by greenery and steeped in history, Oji Shrine offers a peaceful space to experience a lesser-known side of Tokyo’s cultural heritage. Whether you're interested in Japanese traditions, seasonal festivals, or sacred natural landmarks, Oji Shrine is a hidden gem worth visiting.
3) Spend a relaxing moment in tranquil Nanushi-no-taki park
Nanushi-no-taki Park, located about a 10-minute walk from Oji Station, is a traditional stroll-style Japanese garden that dates back to the Edo period. What makes this park truly special is its tranquility. Despite being in the heart of Tokyo, visitors can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature, making it an ideal place for quiet reflection and retreat.
The centerpiece of the park is the impressive Otoko-daki (Male Waterfall), which has a height of 8 meters. The sound of cascading water and the dynamic view provide a powerful sensory experience—though please note that the waterfall may not be flowing during certain times of the year.
In addition to Otoko-daki, the park features other charming waterfalls such as Onna-daki (Female Waterfall), Dokko-daki, and Wakutama-daki. A stream flows gently through the garden, connecting to a central pond, all surrounded by about 100 old trees, including zelkovas and Japanese maples, which paint the garden with seasonal colors throughout the year.
Nanushi-no-taki Park is a hidden oasis that evokes the serenity of deep mountain forests, despite its urban location. For those seeking a peaceful escape in Tokyo, a taste of authentic Japanese garden design, or simply a quiet moment to reconnect with nature, this park is a perfect destination.
4) Embracing the Beauty of a Sakura-Filled Sky-Otonashi Shinsui Park-
Located just a one-minute walk from the north exit of Oji Station, Otonashi Shinsui Park is a peaceful riverside park rich in nature and charm. Designed as a “shinsui” (water-friendly) park, it features gentle streams, a flowing ravine, a charming boat-style bridge (Funagushi-bashi), a traditional waterwheel, and a variety of mature maple and cherry trees that bring vibrant seasonal beauty throughout the year.
In spring, the park becomes a popular cherry blossom viewing spot, with the trees in full bloom offering stunning photo opportunities. During summer, the shallow water areas are perfect for water play, making it a favorite destination for families. Visitors can relax in the shade, feel the cool breeze, and enjoy a slow, refreshing time.
In the evenings, the park is sometimes illuminated, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere that’s completely different from the daytime scenery. The soft lighting, flowing water, and natural surroundings make it a hidden gem in Tokyo.
Though nestled in the heart of the city, Otonashi Shinsui Park offers a quiet retreat where you can unwind by the water, surrounded by greenery. It’s an off-the-beaten-path spot ideal for relaxing walks, seasonal photography, or a family day out in nature.
5) The Hokutopia Observatory
The Hokutopia Observatory, located on the 17th floor of Hokutopia, a cultural complex directly connected to Oji Station, is a hidden gem that offers stunning panoramic views of northern Tokyo and the Kanto Plain. Best of all, admission is free, making it an easily accessible and budget-friendly spot for all visitors.
From the observatory, you can enjoy scenic views of Asukayama Park just below and catch a glimpse of iconic landmarks like the Tokyo Skytree in the distance.
One of the unique features of this observatory is its appeal to railway enthusiasts. You can watch shinkansen bullet trains, Toei Arakawa Line streetcars, and other railway lines pass through the cityscape—a rare treat for train lovers, both young and old. The relaxed atmosphere offers a different experience from high-rise skyscraper observatories, making it an ideal place to unwind.
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, the observatory is perfect for photography, family outings, or simply enjoying peaceful city views away from the urban rush. Whether you're a train fan or a traveler looking for a quiet viewpoint in Tokyo, Hokutopia Observatory is a must-visit hidden attraction.
Additional) Mailbox at Asukayama post office
On the south side of Asukayama Park, near the Asukayama Intersection, you'll find a charmingly designed mailbox in front of the local post office.
Throughout Japan, mailboxes are available for anyone to use, allowing you to send letters and postcards to destinations all across the country. While most Japanese mailboxes are plain red and uniform in design, this particular one stands out with its stamp-themed decorations.
What makes it even more special is the depiction of Eiichi Shibusawa, a historical figure closely associated with this area. The unique design not only adds a local touch but also makes it a fun photo spot for visitors exploring the neighborhood.
Oji is a peaceful area in northern Tokyo, known for its rich natural beauty and historic landmarks.
One of Japan’s most captivating features is the distinct beauty of its four seasons. In Oji, you can enjoy different scenic views throughout the year—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and quiet landscapes in winter.
That’s why Oji is a place worth visiting again and again.
You might come for the sakura one year, and return the next to enjoy the vibrant fall leaves. Each season offers a new and refreshing experience.
If you're looking for a hidden gem in Tokyo where you can connect with nature and refresh both body and mind, Oji is the perfect urban retreat.
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