KOENJI CHUO PARK

Step Into a Scene From One of Murakami’s Novels
[updated August 2020]

Chuo Park in Koenji may just seem like an ordinary park in Tokyo, but it could be so much more. It is said that world renowned author Haruki Murakami used this park as inspiration in his novel ‘1Q94’. While he doesn’t name “Koenji Chuo Park” exactly, one of the main characters, Tengo, lives in Koenji and occasionally visits a park with a playground, often sitting atop of a small slide to gaze at the sky, much like the one in Chuo Park.

Even if you’re not a Murakami fan, the park still offers a great place for rest, relaxation, and of course playing for the kids. Situated only a short walk south of Koenji Station, on a nice day it makes a good place for a break while shopping the nearby vintage clothing shops, or before you head to a show at Koenji High. With its greenery including tall zelkova trees and azaelas, if you’re looking for a good place to sit among nature and read a book, this could be the perfect place.

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