Hanayashiki Day

What Is Hanayashiki Day?

August 7th is "Hanayashiki Day" in Japan, established in 2013 by Hanayashiki Co., Ltd., operator of Asakusa Hanayashiki -- founded in 1853 and often called Japan's oldest amusement park -- 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 Rokusaburo Morita, a plant dealer from Sendagi, and centered on peonies and chrysanthemum displays.

• Changes from the Meiji era: in the Edo period its only ride was a swing, but from the Meiji era it added animal exhibits such as tigers and bears, shows, and amusement rides, and from the Taisho to early Showa eras it was known as one of Japan's leading zoos
• Postwar reopening: after closing during the war, it reopened as an amusement park in 1947 and took the name "Asakusa Hanayashiki" in 1949. In 1953, Japan's first domestically made roller coaster appeared there
• Establishing the anniversary: created in 2013, the park's 160th anniversary year, and registered with the Japan Anniversary Association

Pride in Being "Japan's Oldest Amusement Park"

Located in Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo, Hanayashiki has weathered countless changes through the eras while carrying on a history that dates back to 1853. Because it closed once during the war, views differ on how to count "oldest," but its 1953 roller coaster is regarded as the oldest still operating in Japan and remains popular for its retro charm.

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.