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Breaking the rules has always been the essential rebellion at the heart of cool. Hundreds of families, college students, and retired locals cart their barbecue sets boldly past the bright red "BBQ forbidden" sign that practically blocks access to the open green fields of Tokyo's BBQ H.Q., the grassy expanse of the Tama River near Futako Tamagawa station.
Yoyogi Park or Shinjuku Gyoen may be more central as parks go but, they are so crowded and strict that just throwing a frisbee could either partially decapitate some small unsuspecting child or bring an army of bicycle-riding, toothless, whistle-blowing, fun-stoppers to the scene. In contrast, the open atmosphere at Futako Tamagawa, a.k.a. Nikotama, offers wide-open fields of green grass that make things like clandestine BBQs, romantic night strolls, nostalgic grass-stains, or even pick-up wiffleball games entirely enjoyable.
You don't even need to come prepared because the nearby grocery store can provide you with food and drink while the nearby Tokyu Hands is stocked with BBQ sets, frisbees, kites, wiffleball bats, fireworks, and anything else you could possibly need for some good wholesome fun. You don't even need to bring friends because, just like Credence Clearwater Revival said, "The people on the river are happy to give!" For some reason, the strangers who would otherwise be ignoring each other on the street or in the station suddenly have a beer, a hotdog, or a story to share with other friendly river-goers. Next time you wake up to a lazy Sunday, grab your Frisbee and come on down to the Tamagawa river, possibly the most easy-going place in Tokyo.
by Matt Cox
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Tamagawa River
Futako Tamagawa is the sixth stop from Shibuya on the Den-en-toshi line. Take a left at the Kentucky Fried Chicken and walk 5 minutes down to the riverside; it is open 24 hours a day.
Tokyu Hands Futako Tamagawa, take a right after the the ticket wicket; it is outside the station: 03-3708-1211
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