Introduction: Junko Ichikawa’s Tokyo Walk Guide That Makes You Love the City Even More
Take a Stroll Through Tokyo’s Parks and Discover the Harmony of Nature and City Life
Even in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant cities, Tokyo provides an incredible variety of parks where nature thrives. From extensive green areas and historic Japanese gardens to innovative urban spaces with unique features, the city’s parks showcase a stunning diversity. These peaceful retreats, decorated with cherry blossoms in spring and fiery leaves in autumn, are treasured sanctuaries for Tokyoites—a crucial part of everyday life and seasonal beauty.
Did you know that despite being a large urban area, Tokyo's administrative region includes approximately 36% of the nation's or quasi-national parks? Few people realize that nature isn’t just found in Tokyo. It’s deeply woven into the city’s history and identity. Timber from the forests of the Tama region once floated down the Tama River on rafts, playing a crucial role in building Edo, the predecessor of today’s Tokyo. The city’s growth has long depended on its natural resources. The thriving forestry industry helped maintain healthy woodland ecosystems. At the same time, the region’s rich biodiversity, from the mountains of Tama to the remote island chains, has shaped the local character and fostered a cultural richness that still exists today.
(Photos from Tokyo Metropolitan Government “Vision for Tokyo’s Natural Parks”)
As Tokyo continues to thrive as one of the world’s leading mature cities, now is the time to shift our focus not only to economic growth but also to the remarkable natural environment that supports it. In this series, Junko Ichikawa—a dedicated lover of Tokyo’s parks and a longtime resident of the city center—shares the everyday beauty and unexpected discoveries she encounters during her walks through the capital.
Join us for “Junko Ichikawa’s Tokyo Walk Guide That Makes You Love the City Even More.” Stay tuned for insights and inspiration that reveal a new side of Tokyo, one step at a time.
About Junko Ichikawa
Born in Tochigi Prefecture in 1961, Junko Ichikawa began her career in advertising and public relations before founding J&T Planning Co., Ltd. in 2004—a PR firm specializing in healthcare, skincare, nutrition, and food. Over the past twenty years, she has supported businesses in these sectors while raising public awareness about health issues and lifestyle improvements. Her expertise includes medicine, skincare, and nutritional therapy, and her clients range from hospitals and pharmaceutical companies to cosmetics and food producers. With a strong creative vision, she produces videos and content and offers strategic guidance on product development. Ichikawa is a member of the Japan Medical Journalists Association. Her recent publication, “69 Surprising Signs of Dangerous Illnesses – Is Left Shoulder Pain a Silent Cry from Your Heart?” explores unexpected symptoms that may indicate serious medical problems.
