Located in the tranquil Katsushika Ward, Mizumoto Park is Tokyo’s largest riverside park, renowned for its natural beauty, especially in autumn. The park’s vast open spaces, peaceful waterways, and colorful foliage make it a perfect destination for nature lovers. As the Metasequoia trees and other species turn brilliant shades of red and gold, visitors can enjoy stunning scenery from November to December.
Overview
| Place | Mizumoto Park (水元公園) |
| Best Viewing Time | Early November to mid-December |
| Festival | None |
| Illumination | None |
| Foliage | Metasequoia, bald cypress, poplar, Japanese maple, ginkgo |
| Business Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Admission | Free |
| Related Site | Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association |
Why Mizumoto Park is Worth Visiting in Autumn
- Stunning Autumn Foliage: The Metasequoia forest, poplar-lined avenues, and other foliage create a brilliant autumn display.
- Spacious Grounds: With its vast open fields, ponds, and waterways, it offers plenty of space for leisurely strolls and photography.
- Birdwatching: Mizumoto Park’s wetlands attract many species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
- Serenity: The park is peaceful and less crowded compared to central Tokyo spots, ideal for a calm nature escape.
- Diverse Viewing Spots: From scenic walks to water reflections, the park provides varied ways to enjoy the seasonal colors.
Fall Foliage
The fall foliage at Mizumoto Park is particularly captivating due to its diversity. The Metasequoia Forest is the park’s centerpiece, where 1,800 dawn redwoods turn a fiery red-brown by late November. Poplar trees along the 1.2-kilometer promenade offer a striking contrast with their golden leaves, and bald cypresses near the ponds provide additional reddish hues. The smaller but vibrant Japanese maples and ginkgo trees scattered around the park add pops of crimson and gold.
Prime Viewing Spots
- Metasequoia Forest: The highlight, with towering trees that glow in rich, reddish-brown hues.
- Koaidame (Flood Control Basin): Offers spectacular reflections of the fall colors on the water.
- Poplar Avenue: A long path with 20-meter-high poplars, creating a golden tunnel.
Mizumoto Park Facilities and Amenities
Mizumoto Park offers a wide range of facilities to enhance visitors’ experiences. The park features a designated barbecue area, which can be reserved in advance, making it a popular choice for group gatherings. Boat rentals are available, allowing visitors to enjoy scenic autumn views from the water. For birdwatching enthusiasts, the park has strategically placed birdwatching huts, providing excellent opportunities to observe the local wildlife without disturbing their natural habitat.
The park is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring paved and hard-packed paths that make it wheelchair-friendly for visitors of all abilities. Additionally, Mizumoto Park caters to children with its Adventure Plaza, an area equipped with various playgrounds and a roller slide for young visitors to enjoy. These diverse facilities make the park suitable for a range of activities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all.
Dining Options
Dining options within or close to Mizumoto Park provide convenient and relaxing spots to enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. One of the park’s key eateries is Ryotei (お食事処 涼亭), a soba noodle shop located in the heart of the park. Visitors can order classic dishes like tenzaru soba (cold soba with tempura) and enjoy their meal on the terrace overlooking a large pond. The restaurant operates on a semi-self-service system, where you order and pick up your food when it’s ready. Known for its casual atmosphere, Ryotei is a perfect place to enjoy simple yet tasty soba or udon, especially during autumn, when the outdoor seating offers beautiful views. The restaurant is also pet-friendly, with hooks for leashes at the outdoor tables, making it ideal for visitors with dogs.
Just outside the park, Ryutei (柳亭) is another excellent option for those craving traditional Japanese soba. This cozy, family-run spot is known for its light and flavorful soba noodles paired with a richly umami broth. The tempura, freshly fried and crispy, complements the dishes perfectly. While the seating inside is comfortable and clean, many diners recommend arriving early or visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
For a more laid-back experience, Midori-en (みどり園) is a hidden gem just a short walk from Mizumoto Park, offering a nostalgic taste of yakiniku or Japanese barbecue. Lunch sets are highly recommended, with generous portions of tender, flavorful meat. The restaurant prides itself on using high-quality, locally sourced beef, making the slightly higher prices well worth it.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Visit on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds, and aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer visitors.
- Comfortable Shoes: The park is large, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Prepare for Photography: Bring a wide-angle lens for landscape shots and a telephoto lens for birdwatching.
- Picnic Planning: Consider bringing a picnic, as the park has several beautiful spots for outdoor dining.
How to Get to Mizumoto Park
By Train: Take the JR Joban Line or Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line to Kanamachi Station. From there, it’s a 20-25 minute walk or a 5-10 minute bus ride (Keisei Bus #61 or #62) to the “Mizumoto-koen” stop.
By Bus: From Kanamachi Station, board the Keisei Bus heading to Mizumoto Park.
By Car: The park is 10 minutes from the Kahei Exit on the Metropolitan Expressway, with 311 parking spaces available (1 hour for 200 yen).
