Ochiai River and Minamisawa Springs
Ochiai River and Minamisawa Springs
Ochiai River and Minamisawa Springs
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
41 reviews
Excellent
25
Very good
15
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Takero S
Hong Kong, China4 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
This is a great place to experience a different facet of Tokyo, which is often regarded as a fast-paced, bustling city. The Minamisawa springs are located in Higashikurume, which is about 30 minutes by train from Ikebukuro in downtown Tokyo so if you are staying in Tokyo for a while, you could come by to take a break from the downtown district.
The Ochiai River Minamisawa Springs is a quiet area, surrounded by forests on one side and residential houses on the other, so it's really interesting to see the contrast between a place like this and downtown Tokyo. Having lived in this area for five years during my childhood, it is really the peacefulness here that I think of when someone mentions Japan. There's also a shrine next to the springs, so you could take a look there if you want to see some of the cultural landmarks of the area.
The springs connect to the Ochiai River, which has paved paths for bikers and pedestrians so I definitely recommend walking (or biking) along there. It's a really nice walk as you often see ducks in the river, and kids playing in the water. There's also a bamboo forest along the way, a bit off the river, so you could stop for a visit there.... not the most common thing to have a bamboo forest in Tokyo!
The only downside would be that it is not close to Higashikurume station, so you will need to do quite a bit of walking to get there. Fortunately, you can simply follow the Ochiai River upstream and you will eventually reach the park near the springs so after you find the river, it should be an easy walk. Here's a map (Japanese, but self explanatory): www.city.higashikurume.lg.jp/kensaku/shincyaku/pdf/2010/gaide_map.pdf
There are no buses that go there, and I would not recommend taking a taxi as it is pricy and takes away the experience of enjoying the river scenery. I would also suggest buying some drinks/snacks near the station first, as there won't be much shops along the way.
The Ochiai River Minamisawa Springs is a quiet area, surrounded by forests on one side and residential houses on the other, so it's really interesting to see the contrast between a place like this and downtown Tokyo. Having lived in this area for five years during my childhood, it is really the peacefulness here that I think of when someone mentions Japan. There's also a shrine next to the springs, so you could take a look there if you want to see some of the cultural landmarks of the area.
The springs connect to the Ochiai River, which has paved paths for bikers and pedestrians so I definitely recommend walking (or biking) along there. It's a really nice walk as you often see ducks in the river, and kids playing in the water. There's also a bamboo forest along the way, a bit off the river, so you could stop for a visit there.... not the most common thing to have a bamboo forest in Tokyo!
The only downside would be that it is not close to Higashikurume station, so you will need to do quite a bit of walking to get there. Fortunately, you can simply follow the Ochiai River upstream and you will eventually reach the park near the springs so after you find the river, it should be an easy walk. Here's a map (Japanese, but self explanatory): www.city.higashikurume.lg.jp/kensaku/shincyaku/pdf/2010/gaide_map.pdf
There are no buses that go there, and I would not recommend taking a taxi as it is pricy and takes away the experience of enjoying the river scenery. I would also suggest buying some drinks/snacks near the station first, as there won't be much shops along the way.
Written September 1, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RayParks
Adelaide, Australia2,862 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
When I visited my friend in Higashikurume, she wanted to show me the beauty of Ochiai-gawa (Ochiai River) and the surrounding area. It was quite a long walk (about 3km) along the river, bamboo forest, the natural forest of large trees and upper stream. The whole area was so quiet and beautiful. We hardly met anyone. So I asked her if it was safe for us to keep going. She said Yes, as she was able to go there alone.
It took only18 minutes from Ikebukuro to Higashikurume by Seibu Ikebukuro Line.
Guide map can be downloaded from
http://www.city.higashikurume.lg.jp/_res/projects/default_project/_page_/001/000/080/gaide_map.pdf
It took only18 minutes from Ikebukuro to Higashikurume by Seibu Ikebukuro Line.
Guide map can be downloaded from
http://www.city.higashikurume.lg.jp/_res/projects/default_project/_page_/001/000/080/gaide_map.pdf
Written May 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brady C
Tokyo, Japan13 contributions
Dec 2014 • Solo
Very peaceful, nicely paved roads, perfect for jogging and walking. Different areas for picnicking and playing, and many parks! Great visit.
Written August 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Komiyama
8 contributions
Jul 2021
This is a long river. This flow in Tokyo. You can see beautiful scenery. The water is very clear. You can take a walk, and also go jogging there. It has many creatures. At Hachiman town it joins with Kuromegawa river. It is loved by the people in the neighborhood. But it might be in danger. We wish for your support.
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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