Is there parking available around Otaka Ryokuchi after 19:00?
So, I recently found myself in a bit of a pickle while visiting Otaka Ryokuchi, a beautiful park in Nagoya. I had planned a late evening stroll to catch the sunset
and maybe snap some photos of the park’s famous cherry blossoms (even though it wasn’t peak season, I was hopeful). But here’s the thing—I completely forgot to check the parking situation beforehand. Classic me, right? I showed up around 6:30 PM, thinking I’d have plenty of time to figure it out. Spoiler alert: I didn’t.
Are there any parking options besides coin parking?
When I arrived, I immediately spotted a coin parking lot near the park entrance. It looked convenient, but I wasn’t sure if it would still be open after 19:00. I asked a friendly local who was walking their dog (shoutout to the kind stranger with the adorable Shiba Inu!), and they mentioned that most coin parking lots in the area close around 8:00 PM. That gave me a small window, but I didn’t want to risk it. Plus, I had this irrational fear of getting locked in—don’t ask me why, my brain just goes there sometimes. Determined to find another option, I drove around a bit and stumbled upon a small, unmarked parking area a few blocks away. It wasn’t fancy, but it was free and didn’t have any time restrictions. Score! The only catch? It was a bit of a walk to the park, and I may or may not have gotten distracted by a vending machine selling melon soda along the way. (Okay, fine, I bought two. Don’t judge me.) By the time I made it to Otaka Ryokuchi, the sun was setting, and the park was bathed in this magical golden light. I spent the next hour wandering around, taking way too many photos, and chatting with a group of locals who were having a picnic. They even shared some of their snacks with me—homemade onigiri and these little mochi balls that were chef’s kiss. It was such a simple, unexpected moment, but it made the whole trip worth it. Looking back, I realize how much I overthought the parking situation. Sure, it was a bit stressful at the time, but it led to some fun discoveries and interactions I wouldn’t have had otherwise. And honestly, isn’t that what travel is all about? Embracing the little imperfections and letting them lead you to something special. So, if you’re planning a visit to Otaka Ryokuchi, don’t stress too much about parking. There are options if you’re willing to explore a bit. And hey, maybe you’ll stumble upon your own melon soda vending machine or make a new friend along the way. What about you? Have you ever had a parking adventure while traveling? Or maybe you’ve got some tips for navigating Japan’s parking scene? Share your stories in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
