Asukayama Station Walking Guide — Parks, Museums & Temples in One Stroll
Tokyo · Updated: 2026-07-18
Around Asukayama Station, there are 6 walking spots spanning a park, three museums, and two temples. With Asukayama Park at its center and museums clustered within its grounds, this area rewards the curious walker with layers of history and quiet moments at nearby temples.
A recommended route begins at [Shojuin](/en/spot/fee3405a-a94f-4a7a-91d0-f60c89ab2f82) temple, just steps from the station, then continues to [Honchiin](/en/spot/0e356865-c15b-49f5-b7d3-891b934bb5c4). After soaking in the calm temple atmosphere, head to [Asukayama Park](/en/spot/fe93b2d4-47d3-4fec-aea6-1f67edc41196) and visit the three museums inside: [Shibusawa Memorial Museum](/en/spot/07078d7f-0efc-44b0-9b2c-82a515b4ab2a), [Paper Museum](/en/spot/8e827633-5f82-4a0f-9daa-500d9e0b8709), and [Kita City Asukayama Museum](/en/spot/2a4101b8-6ffb-4d45-87a8-be4bf1dfa63d).
Shojuin
A temple located just a short walk from Asukayama Station, close to the greenery of Asukayama. Its quiet grounds offer a peaceful pause during a walk. It has long been cherished by local residents for its calm atmosphere.
Honchiin
Another temple near Asukayama Station, one of several shrines and temples clustered in the area. Stepping into its tranquil grounds provides a moment of stillness amid a neighborhood stroll.
Asukayama Park
One of the first parks established in Japan in 1873, originally developed by Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune who planted cherry trees to create a public hanami spot. Easily accessible from the station, the spacious park grounds are home to multiple adjacent museums.
Shibusawa Memorial Museum
A museum honoring Shibusawa Eiichi, a pioneering industrialist of the Meiji and Taisho eras. Shibusawa built his main residence here in 1879 and lived on these grounds until his death at age 91 in 1931. His portrait was adopted for the new 10,000-yen banknote issued in 2024, and the museum presents his life and achievements through extensive materials.
Paper Museum
A museum dedicated to paper, located within Asukayama Park. Founded in 1950 and relocated to its current site in 1998, it covers the history and manufacturing techniques of paper from traditional washi to modern Western-style paper. The Oji area is where Japan's modern paper industry originated in the Meiji era.
Kita City Asukayama Museum
A municipal museum opened in 1998 within Asukayama Park. It exhibits the history, nature, and archaeological materials of Kita City from the Paleolithic era through the modern period, offering deeper insight into the land you are walking through.
Tip: The three museums in Asukayama Park each have a different theme, so you can pick based on your interests or visit all of them. Starting with the temples and finishing at the park creates a natural flow from quiet contemplation to lively exploration.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of spots are around Asukayama Station?
- There are 6 spots in total: Asukayama Park with three museums inside it (Shibusawa Memorial Museum, Paper Museum, and Kita City Asukayama Museum), plus two temples (Shojuin and Honchiin).
- Is the Asukayama area good for history lovers?
- Yes — the area has three museums covering different aspects of history, from the life of Shibusawa Eiichi (featured on Japan's new 10,000-yen note) to the history of papermaking and the archaeology of Kita City.
- What can I see at Asukayama Park?
- Asukayama Park is one of Japan's first public parks, established in 1873, with cherry trees originally planted by Shogun Yoshimune. Three museums are located within or adjacent to the park grounds.
- Are there quiet spots for a peaceful walk near Asukayama Station?
- Shojuin and Honchiin are two temples near the station with calm, quiet grounds that offer a peaceful break during your walk.