Places in Japan: Momiji Park

BASIC INFORMATION

• Name: Momiji Park
• Where: Tokyo, Japan
• Hours: Always open
• Cost: Free
• More Information: Trip Advisor

Narrative

After visiting Tokyo Tower my family and I decided to walk over to Zojo-ji Temple.  However, to get to the temple we first had to walk through the small Momiji Valley Park.  This park is the green space located directly below Tokyo Tower:

As we entered the green space the first thing we walked by was this small Buddhist shrine called Cintamanicakra.  Here the Nyoirin-Kannon Buddhism Statue is housed:

This small shrine would be a preview of what lied ahead of us in this small park.  Momiji in Japanese means autumn which the park gets its name due to its maple leaves that change color in the fall.  According to below sign in the park, Momiji was designed by Yasuhei Nagaoka, the first Japanese landscape designer.  He completed the park in 1905.

At the center of the park, spring water trickles down a beautifully landscaped waterfall:

A walking path follows the stream through the park:

At the far end of the park the path ends on a slope called Snake Mound:

Several small statues with red bibs and hats called Jizo are enshrined on Snake Mound:

The Jizo statues are believed to protect children.  However, the name of Snake Mound has nothing to do with children, but instead you guessed it with a snake.  Apparently many decades ago a proprietress of a pub in Shinjuku saw a snake here.  She noticed that every time she visited the park and saw the snake that her business would thrive.  This caused her to believed that the snake was her guardian deity and built the snake mound.  Today people leave offerings of eggs and sake for the snake to enjoy.  Others just leave coins.  It is believed leaving an offering here will bring you good luck with money and your work.

Conclusion

If visiting Tokyo Tower is worth making a small excursion into Momiji Park.  It takes about 10-15 minutes to walk through the park on the way to Zojo-ji Temple.  It also provides a nice and cool shaded area on hot summer days for those looking to get a respite from the heat after visiting nearby attractions.