Autumn Day Trip to Mizumoto Park: Tokyo's Hidden Nature Gem
Autumn in Tokyo is a magical time when the city transforms into a canvas of vivid yellows, oranges, and reds. While spots like Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park often top the list for fall foliage, one serene escape that remains relatively under the radar is Mizumoto Park (水元公園). Located in Katsushika Ward, this spacious park, which is actually Tokyo’s largest park, offers stunning nature, peaceful waterways, and fewer crowds. Renowned for its birdlife, the park is particularly beautiful in autumn, when its « metasequoia forest » changes color. I also love how the park’s trees are beautifully mirrored in the still waters in their coat of reds and golds. If you're craving wide open spaces and quiet waterfront views, Mizumoto Park is your perfect autumn getaway! In this day trip guide, I’ll share some practical information and introduce the itinerary I followed to discover Mizumoto Park’s best spots.
How to Get to Mizumoto Park from Central Tokyo
The accessibility makes it an ideal destination for a quick autumn getaway. From central Tokyo, hop on the JR Joban Line from Ueno Station to Kanamachi Station, which takes around 20 minutes. From there, it's a short 15-minute bus ride (bus #61 or 62) or a pleasant 30-minute walk to the park.
What Makes Mizumoto Park Special in Autumn?
Mizumoto Park stands out for its unique mix of wetlands, ponds, and spacious green areas that provide a variety of landscapes to admire. As the season changes, the park comes alive with vibrant foliage, reflecting beautifully in ponds and canals.
What I liked about Mizumoto Koen is that retains a laid-back, local atmosphere, making it a great spot for a peaceful stroll without the crowds. If you're after a relaxing day surrounded by nature, bring along a picnic and a book, and settle down by one of the park’s many quiet spots. Photographers will fall in love with the the park’s numerous photogenic spots, from tree-lined walkways to reflective ponds. You can explore the park on foot or cycling on the many bike paths, or boating on the serene waters while admiring the fall foliage (rental services are available by the fountain square, only during autumn for boats).
A Day Trip Itinerary To Explore Mizumoto Park in the Fall
Lunch in Kanamachi Area and Walk to Mizumoto Park
Upon arriving at Kanamachi Station, it's time to head toward the park! Kanamachi is a quiet suburban area, featuring local businesses and a charm that any Japan enthusiast will recognize. If you’re looking for a cozy restaurant for a delicious meal before your park visit, I highly recommend Suzukiya (すずきや). It’s a delicious soba and udon noodle shop offering a great selection of Japanese dishes, including tempura and donburi, with friendly staff who provided excellent recommendations. I enjoyed warm soba with mushrooms, while my partner chose curry, and we were both very satisfied with our meals. Alternatively, there are several nearby convenience stores (kombinis) where you can grab a bento or snacks for a picnic in the park.
After our meal, on the way to Mizumoto Park, I took the opportunity to capture some of the urban scenery. Highlights included a large group of people fishing in the Mizumoto Inner Reservoir (水元小合溜), with a view of the Tokyo Skytree in the background, and streets adorned with a vibrant carpet of yellow gingko leaves, adding a touch of autumn magic to the area surrounding the park.
A Lovely Stroll Along Mizumoto Canal
My first sight of Mizumoto Park was the iconic blue Mizumoto Bridge (水元大橋) set against a backdrop of vibrant autumn colors, the symbol of the park. Just north of the bridge, you’ll find the boat and bicycle rental shop, conveniently located next to the fountain square. After admiring the reflection of fall foliage on the opposite bank of the Edogawa River and watching birds peacefully resting on the still waters, I continued north along the tree-lined promenade beside the canal. This long walkway is especially breathtaking in autumn, offering uninterrupted views of the colorful leaves. The trees' reflections in the water create a stunningly picturesque scene, perfect for photography or a tranquil stroll.
Wonder at The Metasequoia Forest
The highlight of the day was the walk through Mizumoto Park’s Metasequoia Forest (メタセコイアの森), a peaceful and majestic place, especially in autumn when sunlight filters through the towering trees. The tall rows of 1,500 Metasequoia trees, known as living fossils and about 20 meters tall, form a golden canopy as their needle-like leaves shift to vibrant shades of orange and brown.
Admire the Bird Life at the Different Observatories
Don’t forget to stop by the bird-watching areas—Mizumoto Park is home to a wide range of bird species, thanks to its wetlands, rivers, and dense greenery. From graceful herons to colorful kingfishers, the park offers bird enthusiasts plenty of opportunities to spot both migratory and resident birds throughout the year. Whether you're an avid birder or just curious, you have the opportunity to quietly watch the diverse avian life and autumn colors in the background at one of the observatories of the Bird Sanctuary (バードサンクチュアリー).
Explore the Rest of the Park at Your Leisure
As I continued my stroll through the park, I found the Aquatic Plant Garden (水元公園水生植物園) especially captivating, with the trees perfectly mirrored on the pond’s surface. You can also visit the Mizumoto Green Plaza (水元公園グリーンプラザ), which features a terrace and a small greenhouse, and cross through Mizumoto Park’s Central Field (中央広場) before heading back.
Enjoy a Break in a Cafe and Head Back
After spending the entire afternoon exploring Mizumoto Park, there’s nothing better for a sweet tooth like mine than finishing the day at a nearby café. I opted for the family restaurant chain Gusto (ガスト 金町駅北口店), located near Kanamachi Station, where you can always find tasty and affordable ice cream and desserts. If you're looking for other options, there are plenty of choices around the park and along the way back to the station, including Komeda’s Coffee or local cafés (such as 喫茶カタリナ for instance).
A Few Practical Tips
Best Time to Visit Mizumoto Park in autumn: Peak autumn foliage at Mizumoto Park typically occurs from mid-November to early December, so plan your visit accordingly. As a reference, the pictures shown in this article were taken on December 3, 2023.
Bring Snacks: While there are a few vending machines and small kiosks in the park, it’s a good idea to stop by a kombini on your way to the park to get snacks and drinks.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The park is vast, and there’s a lot of ground to cover. Comfortable footwear is a must, especially if you plan to walk along the canal path all the way to the bird-watching areas.
To Conclude
Mizumoto Park may not have the fame of some of Tokyo’s central parks, but that’s part of its charm. It's a quiet, lesser-known getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn. Whether you're a nature lover, photographer, or simply someone looking to enjoy a peaceful day outdoors, Mizumoto Park is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your autumn day trip list.
Looking for more autumn foliage spots in Tokyo? You can read my article “Autumn in Tokyo: 17 Top Fall Foliage Spots and Best Day Trips” or check out all my Japan autumn articles to prepare for this incredible season. 🍁
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