Mizumoto Park: A Photo Guide to a Tokyo Nature Escape

Tokyo often conjures images of neon-drenched skyscrapers and bustling cityscapes. But tucked away in Katsushika Ward lies a sprawling natural oasis for photographers: Mizumoto Park. As the largest park in Tokyo, it offers a refreshing escape with its vast grounds, vibrant seasonal flowers, and diverse wildlife. Whether you’re capturing the delicate beauty of Japanese irises in spring or the rich colors of autumn leaves, this hidden gem is a photography paradise worth the journey.

A distant gem worth discovering

For years, I had wanted to visit Mizumoto Park, but its location in Katsushika Ward always felt like a distant prefecture to me. It seemed so far that I kept putting it off. Finally, I decided I needed to change that. I packed my camera gear and made the long, determined train trip to see it for myself.

My first impressions were excellent. Arriving on a late spring day, I immediately saw the appeal for any photographer. There is so much to capture, and I wish I had more time to explore on that first visit. Even so, I went home with some good photos and a strong desire to return.

Photograph the seasonal canvas

Mizumoto Park offers a diverse range of subjects that change with the seasons, ensuring there’s always something new to capture.

The park is a floral wonderland, with gorgeous subjects like Japanese Irises, wisteria, and azaleas providing bursts of color. For landscape photographers, the serene forests of poplar trees and Metasequoia are a dream to walk through. You can also explore charming bridges, a peaceful canal, and a vast grass field that seems to stretch on forever. The amount of open space is incredible; its central field is bigger than the one at Showa Memorial Park, and Shinjuku Gyoen isn’t even in the race.

If you enjoy birding, Mizumoto Park is an excellent destination. Its diverse habitats attract a wide variety of species, so be sure to bring a long lens to capture them from a distance.

A note on timing your visit

My summer visit was lovely, but I realized I should have come earlier in spring or later in autumn for the best conditions. Some flowers were past their peak, while others hadn’t bloomed yet, leaving me mainly with the irises to work with against a backdrop of green. That’s okay, though—now I have the perfect excuse to go again! Based on pictures I’ve seen online, the trees lining the Oba River must be a beautiful sight during the autumn season.

The story of my lost phone

During my visit, my day took a stressful turn. I had just bought a new smartphone the day before, and when I sat down for a rest, I discovered it wasn’t in my bag! My heart sank. After a frantic hour of backtracking my path with no luck, I went to the park’s administration office.

Fortunately, my story has a happy ending. Someone had found my phone and handed it in. I’ll never know who that kind person was, but I am incredibly grateful for their honesty.

What to photograph: Essential information

Seasonal flowers (especially Japanese Irises)
Vibrant autumn trees
Cherry blossoms
Diverse bird species
Picturesque bridges and
waterways
Many kiosks for snacks and drinks
BBQ area
Children’s playground
A dog run (yes, dogs are allowed!)
Paid car parking is available
Toilets and drink machines

Yes, there is! You might think it is an extension of Mizumoto, but it is actually Misato Park in Saitama Prefecture. I heard it has beautiful cherry blossoms, so I hope to photograph them one day.

How to get to Mizumoto Park

Address: 3-2 Mizumotokoen, Katsushika City, Tokyo
Train Access: The closest station is Kanamachi Station on the Joban Line. From there, it is about a twenty-five-minute walk to the park.
Bus Access: If the walk is too long, you can take a Keisei Bus bound for Togasaki Marshaling Yard or Nishi Mizumoto 3-chome. Get off at the “Mizumoto Park” stop, which is about a seven-minute walk from the park entrance.
Car parking: Paid parking is available, but limited spaces.
Hours: Mizumoto Park is open 24/7. The administration office is closed over the New Year holidays, so it’s best to call them for specific operating hours (03-3607-8321).
Admission Cost: None. The park is free to enter.
For the most up-to-date information, consult the official Mizumoto Park website.

Here is the park on a Google map:

Nearby photo spots

If you have more time to explore the area, consider a visit to Shibamata Taishakuten. It’s a stunning temple known for its intricate wooden carvings.

Final thoughts

The variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers at Mizumoto Park is incredible. And then there are seasonal changes (i.e., autumn). It’s a great Tokyo photo spot.

Please remember this was my first time there. To give it justice, I need to go several times at least. So, be ready for new pictures to be here in the future!