Once a training ground now a park. Step into Bunridai Park a green oasis with a unique history.
Bunridai Park is located in Nishitokyo, Tokyo. This urban park spans 1.667 hectares. It offers a blend of recreation and nature.
The land was once the athletic field. It belonged to Tokyo University of Science. The university was formerly Tokyo High Normal School. It later became Tokyo University of Education. Today it is the University of Tsukuba. The park’s name references the old University of Science.
The park’s grounds have an interesting past. Part of it was an agricultural field. It belonged to the science department. A portion of that field remains today. It serves as a field for an elementary school. The elementary school is affiliated with the University of Tsukuba.
In 1915 the area was owned by the Takahashi family. They were involved in creating the Musashino Railway. This is now the Seibu Ikebukuro Line. They enticed scholars and cultural figures. They offered cheap land in Higashicho.
After the Great Kanto Earthquake, Yasunari Mikuro moved here. He was a secretary for Shiseido’s president. He encouraged the president to find a sports ground. This was for the company employees’ health. Yasunari helped create a baseball field here.
Later, the baseball field became the Hoya Athletic Field. It also included an attached farm. It belonged to Tokyo University. The athletic field had a 400-meter track. There were areas for throwing and jumping. It also featured soccer and rugby goals. There were dormitories and teacher’s rooms. It officially opened in September 1936. In 1938 it was certified as a third-class competition venue.
In 1984, the national government purchased the land. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the city split the costs. Bunridai Park was established. The park’s north side has a playground and sewage facilities. The south side features a pond. There is also a forest zone.
The park has rows of cedar trees on its west side. Many people enjoy the blossoms each spring. Bunridai Park is a place to relax. It is a place to appreciate nature. It is a reminder of the area’s academic and athletic past.