Tokyo Travel: Kasai Rinkai Park

Opened in 1989, Kasai Rinkai Park (��ՊC��, Kasai Rinkai Kōen) is the largest park in central Tokyo, located just across the Edogawa River from Tokyo Disney Resort. It was built on reclaimed land and developed in an effort to restore and preserve natural Tokyo Bay habitat.

The park offers a nice break from the surrounding cityscapes and has a number of walking trails that crisscross the gardens, lawns and beaches. In addition, the park features an aquarium, a ferris wheel, a seabird sanctuary and an observation building.

Near the center of the park is the Tokyo Sealife Aquarium. The aquarium's main tank has a viewing area in its center that immerses you in the middle of various species of fish including tuna, bonito and sharks. The aquarium also has good penguin and seabird exhibits.

The park's most visible landmark is the Diamond and Flowers Ferris Wheel, named after its light shows that resemble sparkling diamonds or flowers. At 117 meters tall it is the second tallest ferris wheel in Japan and offers views of Tokyo Bay, Tokyo Disney Resorts and as far away as Mt. Fuji.

In line with the park's goal as a bay habitat preserve, nearly a third of the park is designated as a Sea Bird Sanctuary. Bird lovers and photographers are free to roam the area, except the marsh areas which are restricted. The Sea Bird Center has information on the local birds.

By train

The park is just next to Kasai Rinkai Koen Station on the JR Keiyo and JR Musushino lines, 10-15 minutes and 220 yen from Tokyo Station. Note that the platforms of the Keiyo Line at Tokyo Station are located a 10 minute walk from the station's other platforms.