A Hidden Gem Near Haneda Airport Vol.1

If you're flying through Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport) and have a few hours to spare — whether it's a layover, a long transit, or just an early arrival — there's a peaceful and fascinating destination waiting just a short ride away: Tamagawadai Park in Ōta City.

In June, the park bursts into color with thousands of blooming hydrangeas, while nearby ancient burial mounds and a local history museum offer a captivating look into Japan’s early history. Even in the midst of a tight itinerary, this unique combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage can be experienced in just a few hours.

Why Tamagawadai Park?

Located along the Tama River, Tamagawadai Park is a serene hillside area famous for its seasonal blooms — particularly hydrangeas (ajisai) that bloom in early summer. Over 3,000 hydrangea plants, featuring a mix of native Japanese and Western varieties, create a kaleidoscope of blues, purples, and pinks from early to mid-June.

Unlike Tokyo’s more crowded tourist destinations, Tamagawadai offers a quiet, reflective experience that feels far removed from the bustle of the city — despite being just minutes from one of the world’s busiest airports.

Whether you’re an avid photographer, a couple on a layover date, or simply someone who enjoys nature and a breath of fresh air, Tamagawadai Park provides the perfect escape.

How to Get to Tamagawadai Park from Haneda Airport

Getting to Tamagawadai Park from Haneda Airport is surprisingly easy and takes only about 30 minutes.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1:From Haneda Airport to Keikyu Kamata Station (Approx. 10 minutes)

Take the Keikyu Linefrom Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station and ride to Keikyu Kamata Station.If you board a Limited Express (Kaitoku) train, it only takes 1 stop and about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Walk from Keikyu Kamata Station to Kamata Station (Approx. 10 minutes on foot)

To transfer to the Tokyu Tamagawa Line, you’ll need to walk about 10 minutes from Keikyu Kamata Station to Tokyu Kamata Station.

Tip:The walking route can be a little tricky for first-time visitors. If you're unsure about the way, stop by the Ōta City Tourist Information Center, located inside Keikyu Kamata Station. The staff can provide maps and directions in English.

Step 3: From Kamata Station to Tamagawa Station (Approx. 10 minutes)

Board the Tokyu Tamagawa Line at Kamata Station and ride to Tamagawa Station (about 10 minutes).

Step 4: Walk to Tamagawadai Park (Approx. 2 minutes)

Once you arrive at Tamagawa Station, take the south exit and walk just 2 minutes to reach the entrance of Tamagawadai Park.

Tamagawadai Park(Google Map)

More Than Just Flowers: A Journey into Ancient Japan

Tamagawadai Park is also home to a group of ancient burial mounds called kofun, which date back to the 4th–7th centuries. These keyhole-shaped mounds are among Japan’s most iconic prehistoric sites, representing the tombs of local leaders and elites during the Kofun period.

While the mounds themselves are subtle in appearance, a short trip to the Ōta City Local History Museum Annex (Kofun Exhibition Room) provides a deeper look into their significance.

The Kofun Exhibition Room: A Free Museum with a Historic Soul

The Kofun Exhibition Room is a small, modern facility that houses artifacts and reconstructions of life during the Kofun era. 

Highlights include:

• Miniature dioramas of kofun construction

• Excavated relics, such as haniwa (clay figurines) and tools

• A stamp station 

Don’t forget to bring your stamp notebook—this museum features an original stamp design you can’t find anywhere else!

Ideal for a Transit Stop or Half-Day Trip

Because of its proximity to Haneda and the efficient public transport system, you can comfortably explore Tamagawadai Park and the Kofun Museum in under six hours.

Sample Itinerary from Haneda Airport (6-hour layover):

• 0:00 — Arrive at Haneda Airport, go through immigration

• 1:00 — Board Keikyu Line to Keikyu Kamata, transfer to Tokyu Tamagawa Line

• 1:30 — Arrive at Tamagawa Station, walk to Tamagawadai Park

• 2:15 — Enjoy the hydrangeas, take photos, relax

• 3:00 — Visit the Kofun Exhibition Room

• 4:00 — Head back to Haneda Airport

• 5:00 — Arrive with time to check in and pass through security

Visiting in the Rain? Even Better

Hydrangeas love rain — and so do photographers! A light drizzle brings out their colors and adds a mystical atmosphere to the park’s forested paths and ancient mounds. Bring an umbrella or rent one at the airport and embrace the seasonal charm of Japan’s early summer.

Travel Tips

• Camera-ready: Hydrangeas photograph beautifully in both cloudy and sunny conditions.

• Wear comfortable shoes: The park is gently sloped but has many stairs and walking paths.

• No entrance fee: Both the park and museum are completely free.

• Snacks and restrooms: Available near Tamagawa Station.

Final Thoughts

In a city as massive and dynamic as Tokyo, it can be hard to find a moment of quiet beauty — especially on a tight schedule. But Ōta City, just next to Haneda Airport, offers that rare opportunity.

From vibrant seasonal flowers to ancient monuments and hidden museums, Tamagawadai Park is more than just a layover destination — it's a genuine cultural experience waiting to be discovered.

So next time you're flying through Haneda, don’t waste your transit in a lounge. Instead, step outside and discover a side of Tokyo that few tourists ever see.