Photos by Takahiro Takiguchi ()
Within an hour drive from most of U.S. military bases in Kanto Plain, Ikuta Ryokuchi Park in Kawasaki City is a great daytrip to enjoy Japan’s autumn foliage while exploring a vast array of museums.
Ikuta Ryokuchi Park is home to large green field and several interesting museums: • Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum displays 25 authentic traditional houses and structures, which range from wealthy merchant homes to rustic farmhouses. • Fujiko Fujio Museum is dedicated to the cartoonist who created “Doraemon.” • Kawasaki Science Museum is furnished with the world's newest and most sophisticated planetarium.
Be sure to explore the Open-Air Folk House Museum in the park to enjoy beautiful hues of red, yellow and orange foliage while you travel back in time. Each home or structure includes furniture and various tools from the past, completing the vintage feel.
Try a taste of Japan at the soba noodle shop housed inside a folk house. After that, join one of the many activities like indigo-dying or handloom-weaving workshops offered in the museum throughout the year.
The gorgeous autumn colors in the park can be enjoyed until early December in Ikuta Ryokuchi Park. And the museums? They are there year-round.
Ikuta Ryokuchi Park Location: 7-7-11 Masugata, Tama-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture URL
