Nashu Falls Park

Nanushi-no-Taki Park

Nestled in Kita Ward, Tokyo, just a five-minute walk from Ōji Station, Nanushi-no-Taki Park is a hidden gem filled with lush greenery. Unlike typical parks with open spaces, this park features winding walking trails, ponds, and small streams, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the refreshing negative ions in the air.

The park is well cared for, with various plants thriving throughout the grounds. Although it isn’t particularly large, visitors can enjoy playing in the stream during summer, where crayfish and other small creatures can be found.

In addition, the park’s pond is home to rare birds that are not commonly seen in Tokyo, providing a unique opportunity for birdwatching.

The History of Nanushi-no-Taki Park

Nanushi-no-Taki Park traces its origins back to the late Edo period, during the Ansei era (1854–1860). It was first established as part of the residence of Hata no Sonpachi, the headman of Ōji Village, from whom the park’s name is derived. The park was later developed into a formal garden in the mid-Meiji period when it came under the ownership of a man named Kakinochi Tokusaburō.

The Ōji area, situated at the edge of the Musashino Plateau, was once home to multiple waterfalls, collectively known as the “Seven Waterfalls of Ōji.” Today, Nanushi-no-Taki is the only remaining one. It consists of four waterfalls: Otaki (the main waterfall, with an impressive 8-meter drop), Metaki, Dokkono-Taki, and Yugyoku-no-Taki.

Towards the back of the park, there is a tea house that can be reserved for private use.

The park’s pond is home to carp and ducks, and visitors can observe them up close. Additionally, herons—rarely seen in Tokyo—can often be spotted here. Seeing these shy birds from such a close distance is truly a special experience.