Hello, I'm Inaba from NEULO. In this note, I'll be introducing walking routes and spots that will make you want to put on your shoes and head outside. I hope that as you read, you'll feel like, "Wow, I didn't know such a place existed!" or "Maybe I should take a walk there."
For this first installment, I'll be introducing "Mizumoto Park" in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo. It's the largest park in Tokyo, boasting a beautiful waterside landscape. I'll be introducing a walking route that allows you to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and stroll through nature so grand it feels like you've wandered into a European countryside.
・Access to Mizumoto Park:
From JR Joban Line (direct service to Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line) "Kanamachi" or Keisei Kanamachi Line "Keisei Kanamachi," take a Keisei bus (for Togasaki Soshajo or Nishi-Mizumoto Sanchome) and get off at "Mizumoto Koen." It's a 7-minute walk from there.
Please note: From March to November, on weekends and holidays, a loop bus runs along the park from 9:00 AM to 4:40 PM, departing from and arriving at Kanamachi Station.
・Walking time (approximate): About 30 minutes
Clear blue and abundant green. Reset your mind by the water. Mizumoto Park is located in Katsushika Ward, in the northeastern part of Tokyo. This time, I decided to go by train and bus. The first thing you see when you step into the park is the vast pond called "Koai-tame." About 300 years ago, in 1729, at the command of Tokugawa Ieyoshi, the eighth shogun, flood control work was carried out to prevent the overflow of the old Tone River (now the Naka River). At that time, the river was dammed between the opposite bank in Misato City, Saitama Prefecture, creating a long, huge reservoir. This is "Koai-tame."
And since this reservoir was an important "source of water" for agricultural use to the vast surrounding rice paddies, the place name "Mizumoto" (meaning "water source") was born. Koai-tame, an important water source that supported people's lives. Feeling the wind across the water, I immediately started walking.
This is also a place where many wild birds rest their wings. It's one of the joys to walk while looking for various birds like ducks and kingfishers that change with the seasons. As I walk and watch the birds living freely, I notice my mind gradually opening up.
Incidentally, there is also an area called "Bird Sanctuary" within the park, where you can quietly observe the activities of wild birds through observation windows.
Feel the soft, natural earth beneath your feet
Moving a little away from the waterside, I enter among the trees.
The scent of wood and leaves drifts from somewhere. As I walk, taking deep breaths, I hear the sound of birds. Adding to that, the sound of trees swaying in the wind, and the sounds of nature intertwine.
And my consciousness gradually focuses on "walking." I move from the hard asphalt path to the soft, grassy ground.
With each step, I feel the sensation of the earth, and my sense of touch on the soles of my feet becomes sharper than usual. I breathe deeply, taking each step carefully. And I walk, focusing my awareness on this very moment. Just doing that, you'll feel the thoughts in your head gradually disappear.
A forest of metasequoia, gazing at the sky.
Further on, you'll find my top recommended spot: the "Metasequoia Forest." Metasequoia is a conifer belonging to the cypress family. When it grows, it reaches a height of 25m to 30m, as tall as a 10-story apartment building.
Mizumoto Park boasts approximately 1,800 metasequoia trees, the largest number among Tokyo metropolitan parks, standing in orderly rows. It creates an ethereal atmosphere reminiscent of a coniferous forest in Northern Europe, as if you're not in Japan at all.
Giant trees stretching straight up towards the sky. The Metasequoia Forest blocks the strong sunlight, making it relatively cool underneath, giving you the pleasant feeling of being enveloped by nature.
As you walk, feeling the pleasant breeze, your mind and body will feel refreshed. After a focused walk, it might be a good idea to sit at a table and bench in the Metasequoia Forest and slowly organize your thoughts.
Bathing in the vibrant energy of the plants will surely be the ultimate reward for your mind and body. Even without a long trip, there's a place in Tokyo where you can spend such rich time.
Why not go and find your own comfortable stride? Please look forward to the next recommended spot!
Mizumoto Park
Address
Mizumoto Park, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-0034
Access ・From JR Joban Line (direct service to Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line) "Kanamachi" or Keisei Kanamachi Line "Keisei Kanamachi," take a Keisei bus (for Togasaki Soshajo or Nishi-Mizumoto Sanchome) and get off at "Mizumoto Koen." It's a 7-minute walk from there.
Please note: From March to November, on weekends and holidays, a loop bus runs along the park from 9:00 AM to 4:40 PM, departing from and arriving at Kanamachi Station.
・Parking (toll)
Opening Days
Always open
Please note: The service center and other facilities are closed during the New Year holidays.
Please contact the service center for operating hours, etc.
Admission Fee
Free (some facilities require a fee)
