Setagaya Koen Train

The family visited Setagaya Koen (Park) several times in January, but haven't been back since. Anyway, here are more photos of that great large scale model train in Setagaya.

It costs ¥30 for elementary school students to ride, and ¥70 for middle school and older. It's such a bargain!

The original JNR D51 steam locomotive that the model train is based on is on display near the traffic play area of the park.

There is a large signboard that gives some of the engine's vital details.

Plum Blossoms, Trains and Traffic in Setagaya Koen

The family returned to Setagaya Park (世田谷公園) this weekend. It's located on the outskits of central Tokyo near Sangengaya station.

I spotted my first plum blossoms of 2011 here. There were several different varieties and colors planted. However, I couldn't get a good angle on the pink ones so you'll just have to enjoy these white flowers.

The plum blossoms were located around a minature / model SL train that you ride.  Some had told me that these trains used to be actually steam powered.  For safety and efficiency, it seems that they are now electric and only appear to be steam locomotives.

It may sound strange to tell your children to play in the traffic, but there's also a traffic play area for children in this park. The goal is to learn the rules of the road while playing. There are ten three wheel pedal cars for the kids to drive around. The street lights and crossing signals are fully functional. The street signs and cross walks are all there too.  The trick is to get the young drivers to follow the road rules.

Ornamental Cabbage

The family was in Setagaya Koen this afternoon.  This park is located just outside central Tokyo.  It's a little unusual.  Some of the playground equipment appears to have been made in the woodworking shops located in the park.  Anyway, I didn't take any photos of the odd play equipment, but I did take some photos of the beautiful ornamental cabbage.

Here's another in a lighter shade.