I've got to be honest, I didn't understand what all the fuss about Tamagawa Jōsui Park was but everyone was always going on about it, so finally I relented and went there and wow, was I not disappointed!?

There was a public convenience, easily accessible for starters, straight out of the gate.

A petite water feature was popular with the local wild doves.

It looks like there's a sandpit for the kids but it was covered the day I went.

Some people warned me against the more modern park furniture in the shape of tree trunks but I really like them. You have to get with the times to attract the youth.

I was really impressed with the notice board with rules and regulations, dos and don'ts if you will of park etiquette. It's good to set ground rules.

All the amenities you would expect are there: bench, water fountain, sculptures, kids play area.

But the piece de résistance was the whale cosy seating area. In the shade of the tree, in this quiet secluded spot, you can have a very romantic date with that special person.

And if the date goes well, maybe one day you'll come back and let the kids play on the climbing frame!

★★★★★ bravissimo