Shimizu Park Autumn Splendour [SPOT REPORT]

November 3rd is celebrated as Bunka no Hi in Japan, and fortunately, we had blue skies and fluffy clouds here in the Kanto region. I had a hunch that our local beauty spot would be just starting to put on its show.

The walk along the west side is just starting to turn colours

Many people took advantage of the warm, sunny weather on the national holiday to enjoy a day out at Shimizu Park in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture. This park is renowned for its cherry blossoms in spring (chosen as one of Japan’s best cherry blossom spots by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association), a profusion of azaleas at the end of April, and a great variety of trees that change color in autumn.

On the approach to the park, the tsusuki grass on the margins of the Zao River with brilliant red foliage caught my eye.

The approach to the park along the Zao River

Within the park, here and there various deciduous trees are beginning to turn color. My favorite spot is on the west side with arching maple trees spanning the walking path.

Next door on the west side of Shimizu Park is Noda City Park with sports facilities. In front of the gymnasium, and ranged around the water features the trees are putting on a show.

Fiery colours at Noda Park

Likely the best time to visit is within the next week or so when the maples will be at their best. I found that the best light to capture the autumn foliage is in the early afternoon. There are many hilly spots that catch a lot of shade but receive bright sunshine in the middle of the day.

Next door to Shimizu Park is Flower Fantasia, a botanical garden that really shines in the autumn with kokia plantings and unobstructed vistas of sky and verdure.

If you’re up for a stroll, the west side of the park has an open secret - a nature preserve not marked on Google Maps but with walking paths through dense forest and marshes frequented by cormorants and herons. You can easily make a day of your autumn colour stroll through the park, garden, and forest.