🌿🌸 Yakushi-Ike Park (薬師池公園), Machida: A Hidden Summer Oasis Near Tokyo

#summervacay **📍 *Why Visit in Summer?*** This tranquil park in **Machida City** (just 30 mins from Shinjuku) is a lesser-known gem featuring **seasonal flowers, a lotus pond, and forest trails**—perfect for escaping Tokyo’s summer heat. Highlights include: ✅ **July Lotus Blooms**: Thousands of pink/white flowers covering the pond. ✅ **Shaded Walking Paths**: Cool forested areas with wooden bridges. ✅ **No Crowds**: A peaceful alternative to busy Tokyo parks. --- ### **🗓️ Half-Day Itinerary: Flowers, Forest & Local Bites** #### **Morning: Lotus & Nature Walk** - **8:30 AM** – **Arrive Early** (best light for photos, fewer visitors). - Stroll around **Yakushi-Ike Pond** (lotus flowers fully open by 9 AM). - Spot **wild birds** like herons and kingfishers. - **10:00 AM** – **Forest Trail** - Walk the **"Moon Bridge"** and explore the **mini waterfall area**. #### **Midday: Picnic & Art** - **12:00 PM** – **Lunch at Café Kura** (near the park entrance) - Try **matcha parfait** or **soba noodles**. - **1:30 PM** – **Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts** (5-min walk) - Free admission! Features **woodblock prints and local art**. #### **Afternoon: Optional Extensions** - **3:00 PM** – **Tama Plaza Shopping** (10-min train) - Cool off at **Daiso** or browse **Japanese handicrafts**. - **OR** **Hiking at Mt. Takao** (20-min train + cable car). --- ### **📌 Pro Tips:** - **Access**: From Shinjuku, take the **Odakyu Line to Machida Station** → Bus #26 to **Yakushi-Ike Iriguchi** (5-min walk). - **Best Month**: **Early July** for peak lotus blooms. - **Free Entry**: No admission fee! **"Yakushi-Ike isn’t just a park—it’s a quiet poem of water and green."** Ready to unwind? 🪷🎋