Shimizu Park, located in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture, is one of Japan’s “100 Famous Cherry Blossom Spots.” This expansive park, rich in history and natural beauty, features around 2,000 cherry trees that burst into bloom from late March to early April. With over 50 varieties of sakura, including rare and ancient specimens, Shimizu Park offers visitors a unique and unforgettable hanami experience. Its combination of serene landscapes, vibrant blossoms, and family-friendly amenities makes it a perfect destination for springtime outings.

Why Shimizu Park is Worth Visiting

• Diverse Garden Landscapes: Shimizu Park’s 70,000 square meters include gardens, ponds, and open spaces surrounded by lush greenery.
• Historic Significance: Established in 1894, the park reflects over a century of Japanese horticultural and cultural heritage.
• Variety of Cherry Blossoms: With more than 50 species of sakura, visitors can enjoy a spectrum of colors and shapes throughout the blooming season.
• Family Activities: The park features a Field Athletics Zone, Pony Ranch, fishing ponds, and picnic areas for all ages to enjoy.
• Accessibility: Conveniently located near public transport and equipped with amenities for a comfortable visit.

Shimizu Park Cherry Blossoms

Shimizu Park’s cherry blossoms are a highlight of spring in Chiba Prefecture. From late March to early April, the park’s 2,000 cherry trees create breathtaking views. The most famous of these is the Gosho Sakura, an ancient Somei Yoshino tree estimated to be nearly 150 years old. This resilient tree, which regenerates itself from decayed roots, symbolizes renewal and endurance, drawing visitors with its remarkable beauty and history.

Among the park’s 50 varieties, highlights include the cascading Shidarezakura (weeping cherry trees) and vibrant Yaezakura (double-layered blossoms). Early-blooming Kawazu cherries and rare Ukon cherries with creamy yellow petals add to the diversity, ensuring a dynamic hanami experience. Visitors particularly love the iconic Sakura Tunnel, a scenic walkway where rows of cherry trees form a natural archway, perfect for leisurely strolls and photos.

Shimizu Park Facilities & Amenities

Shimizu Park is designed to accommodate all visitors with a variety of amenities. The park offers five parking areas near key attractions, such as the Field Athletics Zone, Pony Ranch, and Flower Garden, with fees ranging from ¥200 to ¥800. During the cherry blossom season, additional food stalls line the park’s entrance, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Visitors can enjoy picnics in designated areas, such as the spacious “Obento Hiroba,” or dine at the on-site café “Azalea.” Multi-purpose restrooms, souvenir shops, and rental facilities for activities like barbecues or camping make Shimizu Park suitable for families and large groups. The thoughtful layout and services ensure comfort throughout your visit.

Dining Options

Shimizu Park’s dining options cater to a variety of tastes. The on-site café “Azalea” offers light meals and refreshments with a view of the park’s natural beauty. During the cherry blossom festival, visitors can savor seasonal treats from numerous food stalls selling Japanese street food such as yakisoba, takoyaki, and taiyaki. Alternatively, the nearby town of Noda boasts local restaurants specializing in soy sauce-flavored dishes, a nod to the area’s history as a center of soy sauce production. For those who prefer outdoor dining, the picnic areas are perfect for enjoying a meal surrounded by sakura.

Travel Tips

• Arrive Early: During peak cherry blossom season, the park can get crowded, especially at the Sakura Tunnel.
• Follow restrictions: Hanami parties are allowed but open flames and karaoke are prohibited.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: The park’s expansive grounds and elevated pathways require a fair amount of walking.
• Reserve Activities in Advance: For popular attractions like the Field Athletics Zone or barbecue areas, reservations are recommended.
• Check Bloom Updates: Monitor the official website for the latest cherry blossom forecasts to time your visit perfectly.
• Bring Cash: Food stalls and some facilities may not accept credit cards.

How to Get to Shimizu Park

Shimizu Park is easily accessible by public transport or car. From Tokyo, take the Tobu Urban Park Line (Tobu Noda Line) to Shimizu Koen Station, from which the park is a 10-minute walk. Transfers are available at Kashiwa Station on the JR Joban Line or Nagareyama-Otaka-no-Mori Station on the Tsukuba Express Line. By car, the park is approximately 12 kilometers from the Nagareyama or Kashiwa Interchanges on the Joban Expressway, with parking fees starting at ¥200 per hour and capping at ¥800 per day.

Nearby Attractions

Shimizu Park is surrounded by several attractions that complement a visit to the park. The nearby Kikkoman Soy Sauce Museum in Noda offers an engaging look into the town’s soy sauce heritage, with factory tours and tastings. Another great spot is Sekiyado Castle Museum, which showcases local history and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area from its reconstructed keep. For families, the Nagareyama Otakanomori Shopping Center provides a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options just a short drive away.

Nearby Cherry Blossom Spots

• Kashiwa Furusato Park: Located a short train ride from Shimizu Park, this park features spacious lawns and a large pond surrounded by cherry trees, ideal for a relaxed hanami experience.
• Nagareyama Central Park: Known for its cherry blossom-lined paths and family-friendly facilities, this park is perfect for a day trip.
• Gongendo Park: Situated in neighboring Saitama, Gongendo Park is famous for its stunning sakura-lined embankments, often accompanied by fields of vibrant yellow rapeseed flowers.