Hanayashiki Day

What Is Hanayashiki Day?

August 7th is "Hanayashiki Day" in Japan, established in 2013 by Asakusa Hanayashiki, Japan's oldest amusement park, founded in 1853, to mark its 160th anniversary. The date comes from a pun on "ha (8) na (7) yashiki."

From Flower Garden to Amusement Park

Asakusa Hanayashiki began in the late Edo period as a flower garden, created by landscape gardener Rokusaburo Morita and centered on peonies and chrysanthemum displays.

• Changes in the Meiji era: amusement attractions began appearing around 1872, and the park also gained popularity for keeping rare birds and wild animals
• Postwar rebuilding: rebuilt as an amusement park in 1949, laying the foundation for the park as it exists today
• Establishing the anniversary: on August 7, 2013, its 160th anniversary, the park established this commemorative day, marking the occasion with a free-admission event

Pride in Being "Japan's Oldest Amusement Park"

Located in Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo, Hanayashiki has weathered countless changes through the eras while preserving its history as Japan's oldest amusement park to this day. Its retro-style attractions, including its roller coaster, remain popular with visitors.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Visit Asakusa Hanayashiki in person and enjoy its retro atmosphere
• Learn about Hanayashiki's history and its origins as an Edo-period flower garden
• Look up old photos and records of the park to feel how much has changed over time
• Combine your visit with other sightseeing spots around Asakusa

From Flower Garden to Amusement Park, Beloved Across the Ages

What began as a garden of peonies and chrysanthemums has taken on many forms over more than 170 years, remaining beloved by countless visitors along the way. Let August 7th be a day to reflect on the long history behind Japan's oldest amusement park.