Park · Shimo-Ochiai

Otomeyama Park おとめ山公園

A deep, spring-fed valley of woods in Shimo-Ochiai, once a shogunal hunting ground, where locals raise fireflies each summer.

HoursDaytime (approx. 7:00–17:00; seasonal)

ClosedOpen daily

PriceFree

Getting thereShimo-Ochiai Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line), 7 min; Takadanobaba Station, 10 min

Time needed30–45 min

Best timeEarly summer; autumn

Address2-10 Shimo-Ochiai, Shinjuku City, Tokyo

About

'Otomeyama' means 'forbidden mountain': in the Edo period this wooded valley was a Tokugawa hunting preserve closed to commoners. Today it is a small but surprisingly wild park with natural springs feeding a stream and ponds, steep wooded slopes, wooden walkways and a firefly breeding area. In early summer locals hold a firefly viewing evening; in autumn the maples are lovely. Sitting in the bowl of green, you would never guess Takadanobaba's student bars are ten minutes away.

Highlights

Natural springs feeding a stream and ponds
Former shogunal hunting preserve
Firefly viewing evening in early summer
Steep wooded valley with walkways
Quiet Shimo-Ochiai residential surroundings

Tips

Check the Shinjuku ward schedule for the summer firefly evening
Combine with the Hayashi Fumiko Memorial Hall in Nakai
Wear good shoes; paths can be muddy

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

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Otomeyama Park おとめ山公園

About

Highlights

Tips

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