Oi Suijin Park – A Green Artery of Local Life
Oi Suijin Park (大井水神公園) is a long, slender park that runs beside the Tōkaidō Main Line between Ōmori and Ōimachi. It’s not a grand destination, but it is a well-loved green thread that weaves through the neighborhood, offering a brief break from the city’s hard edges.
The park is functions as a barrier-free walking path. It is fully integrated with the surrounding pavements, allowing easy access for prams, wheelchairs, and bicycles. The southernmost section near Ōmori Station includes a bicycle park and a playground with a dragon-themed play area, a likely nod to the nearby Oi-no-Suijinsha Shrine, after which the park is named.
Flower beds are scattered throughout, blooming with cherry blossoms in spring and low-lying seasonal plants in summer. There are benches for rest, and a fenced-in sports area designed for casual ball games and stretching. The park is especially busy with families and children on weekends.
Along the path, visitors will notice several brick air-vent towers (空気抜き塔). These serve as pressure relief systems for the underground sewerage infrastructure, installed and maintained by the Tokyo Metropolitan Sewerage Bureau. Nearby signage explains their purpose during heavy rainfall events.
The Shinagawa City website also notes the presence of a monument celebrating local culture and tourism, installed to appeal to both residents and visitors passing through. While not flashy, Oi Suijin Park reveals its charm through small, thoughtful touches.
🧭 Visitor Information
Address: 5 Chome-17 Minami-Oi, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0013
Best time to visit: Spring for cherry blossoms or late afternoon for local atmosphere
Admission: Free
Where is it?
| what3words | ///delay.knitted.revise |
| latitude longitude | 35.59174, 139.73032 |
| Nearest station(s) | Ōmori Station (JR Keihin-Tōhoku Line) Ōmorikaigan Station (Keikyū Line) |
| Nearest public conveniences | On-site facilities |
Show me a sign.
There is a sign – near the footbridge that crosses the rail lines. It’s probably visible 6 months of the year as it’s in a flowerbed and is hidden by greenery
Withervee says…
Suijin means “water deity,” and it’s a poetic name for this urban pocket. The dragon-themed play area in the park is more than just a play structure — it quietly nods to the mythology of Ryūjin (龍神), the dragon god of water in Japanese lore. In ancient belief, dragons governed rainfall, rivers, and seas — essential forces of life and protection. By placing a dragon here, the designers tied modern recreation to timeless symbols of local faith.
The benches are plentiful, the trees and flowerbeds well-tended, and the kids loud and joyful. It’s not a tourist spot—it’s just home. And that makes it popular with locals. I’d imagine its the sakura season which has earned it a place in the hyakkei.
Site Character
- Lifestyle 生活 (Seikatsu): ✔️
- Historical Significance 歴史 (Rekishi): ❌
- Atmosphere/Natural Features 風土 (Fūdo): ✔️
Who in their right mind would vote for this?
- Parents with young children
- Retired locals
- Neighbourhood walkers
- Urban park lovers
- Those seeking shade and stillness
Further reading
shinagawa-park.frontings.net – Ōi Suijin Park
While you’re there…
Pair your visit with a stop at Ōi-no-Suijinsha Shrine or cross to the other side of the rails using the footbridge to the Omori-kaizuka Shell Mound park.
