Mizumoto Koen

I finally made it to Mizumoto Koen, one of my favorite parks. I have made many trips to the park by car with the family, but this was the first time I was able to get here for a run. The day I chose was a little hot (June 7, 2009), but I was amply rewarded with the route I chose, making my base Kanamachi Station, which can be reached by either the JR or Keisei lines. Click on the title to see the slide show.

I used the coin lockers directly at the point marked “start” on the map for 300 yen. If they are taken, there are more coin lockers on the other side of JR Kanamachi Station. You will see by the map that I ran west toward the Nakagawa River, and then headed north and followed the river to a dam which controls the flow of water that flows into the park. Along this first section on the map I marked an “A,” which happens to be a public bath that you can use after your run.

I was either running in the neighborhoods adjacent to the Nakagawa River, or along the river itself on the grass path. The path next to the river is not always available so you need to be flexible about it. The neighborhood was pleasant although this section did not have any public drinking fountains and not much shade.

There is a river branch that forms the water next to Mizumoto Koen and this flow is controlled by a dam. This is a big blue obvious landmark and there are several marinas on the far shore. Do not cross the river at the dam and instead turn right and run along the top of the dike under the cherry trees, it will lead you to the entrance of Mizumoto Koen. At first you will think you took a wrong turn and have ended up in the Louisiana bayou but stick with it as it will bring you to the park entrance.

Once inside the park, I was distracted from my run by the various nature stations such as the one for the Kawasemi, a bird of the Kingfisher family. I also stopped to take a picture of a large snake, probably the common Aodaisho, which was searching for food among the lotus near the riverbank. And I caught the end of the Iris Festival. Although the stage was being swept as I ran by, the iris were looking terrific in their elegant purple and white and shades in between. You will have to get over there quick, though, if you want to see them before next year!

That said, this park is great anytime of the year, with its tremendous size, the large green, the river and canals running through it, and large shade trees. I would not recommend running the first section of this route in August unless it is cloudy and the temperature is comfortable. I drank 3 liters of fluids during and directly after this run.

Exiting from the east end is a little tricky as you try and reach the Edo River. I was able to do it without leaving the park but if you do end up on the road, head east. There is one large road to cross (which I did running underneath the flyover) and then I entered a sports area with a baseball diamond and tennis courts that sat in front of the Tokyo waterworks building. Behind the building is the Edo River.

Once you climb to the top of the dike, turn right. You will run a couple of kilometers here and for a short time along a small golf course. This area was great when I ran it but if it is windy, it will be more work. I ran underneath the JR trestle and Route 6, and then climbed the bank to turn right and run to Kanamachi Station. But I have mapped the route not running beyond the tracks instead turning right before them. Follow the tracks back to the station. This is a more straightforward course.

After reaching the station, I grabbed by bag and walked to the sento (public bath). It was an old style place. It cost 450 yen and was refreshing. I was in a hurry so I could not try the ancient massage chair for 20 yen. This is the kind of place you bring your own washcloth, towels, shampoo and soap. The more flexible you are, the more you will enjoy it—like the shower with 2 shower heads—that’s right, one cold and one hot!