Shimizu Park (Chiba Prefecture) Complete Guide 2024 | From Japan’s Largest Field Athletics to Cherry Blossom Hotspot – Comprehensive Explanation
Located in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture, Shimizu Park is a comprehensive leisure facility boasting a vast site of approximately 280,000 square meters. With a history of nearly 130 years since its opening in 1894 (Meiji 27), it is renowned not only as a cherry blossom hotspot selected for Japan’s 100 Famous Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots, but also as a major tourist attraction featuring one of Japan’s largest field athletics courses, drawing large numbers of visitors year-round.
This article comprehensively introduces information you should know before visiting, including detailed information about each facility at Shimizu Park, admission fees, operating hours, access methods, and ways to enjoy the park across different seasons.
Overview and History of Shimizu Park
The Origins of Shimizu Park
The history of Shimizu Park dates back to January 1894 (Meiji 27). Shigei Motegi, the fifth-generation head of the Kashiwa family, which operated a soy sauce brewing business, leased 5,500 tsubo from Kinjoin Temple for 1,000 yen annually for 50 years and constructed an amusement park (in the vicinity of the current First Park). An opening ceremony was held on April 3 of the same year, and it was opened to the general public.
Noda City is a region that prospered from soy sauce brewing since the Edo period. Shimizu Park, developed as a contribution to the local community, has been cherished as a gathering place for local residents. Currently managed and operated by Senshusya Corporation, it has developed into a representative tourist attraction of Chiba Prefecture.
Basic Information About the Facility
Address: 〒278-0043 Noda City, Chiba Prefecture, Shimizu 906
Phone Number: 04-7125-3030 (Senshusya Corporation / Shimizu Park Management Office)
Site Area: Approximately 280,000 square meters
Main Facilities: Field Athletics, Aqua Venture, Flower Fantasy, Camping & Barbecue Grounds, Pony Ranch, Trout Fishing Pond, Former Hanano Iie Residence (National Important Cultural Property)
Japan’s Largest Field Athletics: The Appeal
The flagship facility of Shimizu Park is its field athletics course, which boasts one of Japan’s largest scales. The full-fledged athletics course consists of 100 points and is designed for enjoyment by a wide age range from children to adults.
Challenge Course (40 points total)
The Challenge Course is ideal for beginners and families. As you navigate through the forest, you’ll encounter diverse attractions including rope-based equipment and equipment that tests your balance. The course typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, allowing those without much confidence in their fitness to enjoy it without strain.
The difficulty level is set relatively low, with many points where even elementary school students can challenge themselves with parental support. The design takes advantage of the natural terrain, allowing you to enjoy forest bathing while being active.
Adventure Course (40 points total)
The Adventure Course offers higher difficulty than the Challenge Course and tests both physical strength and courage. It features thrilling attractions such as rope ways across high areas and log walks requiring balance.
The course takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. It’s recommended for junior high school students and older or those confident in their fitness, offering numerous points where you can experience a sense of achievement. As you venture deep into the forest, you can feel a greater sense of unity with nature.
Water Course (20 points total)
The water course is the most distinctive feature of Shimizu Park Athletics. This course involves challenging attractions set above a pond, with the thrill of falling into the water if you lose your balance being its main attraction.
During summer season, many visitors bring spare clothes to challenge the course, and on hot days, they can enjoy it like water play. However, since some areas have considerable water depth, young children require adequate parental supervision.
The course takes approximately 1 hour and is the most compact of the three courses, but has high difficulty settings.
Field Athletics Admission Fees and Operating Hours
Admission Fees:
- Adults (Middle school students and older): 1,000 yen
- Elementary school students: 700 yen
- Preschoolers (ages 4 and up): 200 yen
- Seniors (ages 65 and up): 700 yen
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (varies by season)
Closed Days: End of year/New Year holidays, may be closed on rainy days
※Fees and operating hours may change, so please check the official website before your visit.
Precautions When Using Athletics
- Comfortable clothing and athletic shoes are essential (sandals and heels prohibited)
- When using the water course, it’s recommended to bring spare clothes and a towel
- It’s recommended to store valuables in coin lockers beforehand
- The course may not be available on rainy days or after rain due to slippery conditions
- Children in elementary school and younger require parental accompaniment
Popular Summer Attraction! Aqua Venture
Aqua Venture is a water-based athletics area that opens seasonally during summer months. It features various water-based attractions such as fountains, water guns, and water slides, attracting families during hot summer days.
Features of Aqua Venture
Unlike the Field Athletics, it’s designed for even young children to enjoy safely. Water depths are set in gradual stages from shallow to deeper areas, allowing play according to age and swimming ability.
Popular attractions with children include “Big Bucket,” where large quantities of water pour down from a giant bucket, and “Water Shooting,” where children aim at targets with water guns.
Aqua Venture Admission Fees and Operating Season
Admission Fees:
- Adults (Middle school students and older): 1,500 yen
- Elementary school students: 1,000 yen
- Preschoolers (ages 2 and up): 400 yen
Operating Season: Early July to early September (varies by year)
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Items to Bring and Precautions When Using
- Swimsuit required (entry without swimsuit prohibited)
- Towel and spare clothes essential
- Water shoes or beach sandals recommended
- Children not yet toilet-trained must wear water diapers
- Coin lockers available for valuables (fee required)
Four Seasons of Flowers at Flower Fantasy
Flower Fantasy is a garden area spanning approximately 20,000 square meters where seasonal flowers bloom throughout the year. Various flowers can be enjoyed year-round, with spring tulips, early summer roses, and autumn cosmos being particularly spectacular.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring (March to May): Tulips, pansies, violas, nemophila
Early Summer (May to June): Roses, peonies, hydrangeas
Summer (July to August): Sunflowers, sage, begonias
Fall (September to November): Cosmos, dahlias, autumn roses
Winter (December to February): Pansies, violas, Christmas roses
Flower Fantasy Admission Fees and Operating Hours
Admission Fees:
- Adults (Middle school students and older): 500 to 800 yen (varies by season)
- Elementary school students: 300 to 400 yen (varies by season)
- Preschoolers: Free
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (varies by season)
Closed Days: End of year/New Year holidays
A café is also located within the garden where you can enjoy tea time while taking in the views of the flowers.
A Designated Cherry Blossom Hotspot: Japan’s 100 Famous Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots
Shimizu Park is a representative cherry blossom hotspot of Chiba Prefecture, designated as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots. Approximately 2,000 cherry trees are planted throughout the park, with spectacular cherry blossom scenery spreading from late March to early April.
Cherry Blossom Varieties and Peak Bloom Season
The park features approximately 50 varieties of cherry trees, centered on Somei Yoshino, including Yamato Cherry, Weeping Cherry, and Taiwan Cherry. With varieties ranging from early to late bloomers, it’s possible to enjoy cherry blossoms for an extended period from mid-March to mid-April.
The cherry tree-lined path in the Second Park is particularly impressive, allowing visitors to walk through a tunnel of cherry blossoms during full bloom. Evening illumination is also offered during specific periods, allowing visitors to enjoy spectacular nighttime cherry blossom viewing.
Crowding During Cherry Blossom Festival Season
During peak cherry blossom season, especially on weekends, the park is very crowded. Parking lots often reach capacity early, making use of public transportation or visits on weekdays recommended.
Cherry blossom bloom status is continuously updated on the official website and SNS, so please check before visiting.
Experience Nature at Camping & Barbecue Grounds
Shimizu Park offers complete facilities where you can enjoy everything from day-use barbecuing to overnight camping. Despite its proximity to the metropolitan area, you can experience nature amidst abundant greenery.
Barbecue Grounds
The barbecue grounds operate on a reservation basis, with equipment rental and food sales available, allowing you to enjoy barbecuing without bringing anything. Covered areas are available, so you can use the grounds regardless of weather.
Fee: 2,500 yen and up per plot (varies by season, additional food costs, etc.)
Operating Season: Year-round (except end of year/New Year holidays)
Camping Grounds
Auto camping sites and bungalows are available for both beginners and experienced campers. At night, you can enjoy a starlit sky, allowing you to refresh yourself away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Fees:
- Auto camping site: 3,000 yen and up per night
- Bungalow: 8,000 yen and up per night
Operating Season: Year-round (except end of year/New Year holidays)
Reservations are accepted through the official website or by phone. Early reservations are necessary during peak seasons.
Pony Ranch and Trout Fishing Pond
Pony Ranch
At the pony ranch, you can interact with ponies, goats, rabbits, and other animals. Pony riding experiences (fee-based) are particularly popular with children, and you can also enjoy feeding the animals.
Admission Fee: 450 yen (same for adults and children)
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed Days: Rainy days
Trout Fishing Pond
At the trout fishing pond, you can have the fish you catch grilled with salt and eat it on the spot. Fishing equipment is available for rent, making it easy for beginners to try.
Fee: 1,500 yen and up including rod rental (varies depending on number of fish taken home)
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
National Important Cultural Property: Former Hanano Iie Residence
Within the park stands the Former Hanano Iie Residence, designated as a National Important Cultural Property. This is an old farmhouse from the early Edo period, relocated from Nagareyama City, Chiba Prefecture in 1971. Currently managed by the Noda City Local History Museum, it’s a valuable architectural structure offering insight into lifestyle of that era.
Viewing Fee: Free
Public Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed Mondays; if Monday is a holiday, closed the following day)
It’s possible to view the interior of the building, where you can experience the lives of Edo-period farming families through the hearth and dirt floor. Those interested in history or architecture are encouraged to visit.
Access Methods and Parking Information
Access by Train
Nearest Station: Tobu Urban Park Line (Tobu Noda Line) “Shimizu Park Station”
Access from Station: About 10 minutes walk from the West Exit
From the Tokyo area, transfer to the Tobu Urban Park Line at Kitasenjutsu or Kasukabe Station, then get off at Shimizu Park Station. Travel time from central Tokyo is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
Access by Car
From Joban Expressway Nagareyama IC: Via Chiba Prefectural Route 5 Matsudo-Noda Line, approximately 12 km (about 20 minutes)
From Joban Expressway Kashiwa IC: Via National Route 16, approximately 12 km (about 25 minutes)
When setting your car navigation, search for “Chiba Prefecture Noda City Shimizu 906” or “Shimizu Park.”
Parking Information
Shimizu Park has multiple parking areas with a total capacity of approximately 1,200 vehicles.
Parking Fees:
- Standard vehicle: 800 yen/day
- Large vehicle: 2,000 yen/day
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (varies by season)
During peak seasons such as cherry blossom bloom period, Golden Week, and summer vacation, the parking lots may reach capacity. Especially on weekends, early arrival is recommended.
Seasonal Enjoyment Tips and Recommended Plans
Spring (March to May)
Spring is the cherry blossom season. The sight of approximately 2,000 cherry trees in full bloom is spectacular, and enjoying picnics or barbecuing while appreciating the blossoms is recommended. Flower Fantasy also features tulips in their prime, with colorful flowers adorning the park.
Recommended Plan: Morning cherry blossom viewing → Flower Fantasy stroll → Barbecue lunch → Body movement through athletics
Summer (June to August)
Summer is when Aqua Venture opens and water play becomes available. The water course of the athletics is also popular, allowing cool enjoyment even on hot days. Overnight camping is comfortable, and stargazing can be enjoyed at night.
Recommended Plan: Water play at Aqua Venture → Trout fishing experience → Barbecue dinner → Overnight camping
Fall (September to November)
Autumn features beautiful autumn foliage and pleasant weather ideal for enjoying athletics. Flower Fantasy features cosmos in their prime, and autumn roses can also be enjoyed.
Recommended Plan: Autumn foliage stroll → Field Athletics → Flower Fantasy → Animal interaction experience at Pony Ranch
Winter (December to February)
Winter is relatively uncrowded, allowing leisurely strolls. Visiting the Former Hanano Iie Residence and viewing winter flowers at Flower Fantasy are also recommended. On warm days, athletics can also be enjoyed.
Recommended Plan: Former Hanano Iie Residence visit → Flower Fantasy stroll → Barbecue lunch → Athletics in warm clothing
Nearby Tourist Attractions and Dining Information
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Noda City Local History Museum: Within walking distance of Shimizu Park, where you can learn about Noda City’s history and soy sauce brewing heritage.
Kikkoman Knowledge Soy Sauce Hall: A facility where you can view the soy sauce manufacturing process, Noda City’s representative industry. Factory tours by reservation are popular.
Sekiyado Castle Museum: Located about 20 minutes by car, a museum at the confluence point of the Tone River and Edo River. You can learn about river history.
Nearby Dining
Noda City is known as the city of soy sauce, where you can enjoy dishes featuring soy sauce. Various restaurants including eel cuisine, soba noodle shops, and ramen establishments are scattered around Shimizu Park.
Shops and light food corners are available within the park as well, where you can eat easily. However, these may be crowded on weekends and during peak seasons, so bringing a packed lunch is also recommended.
Helpful Information to Know Before Your Visit
Clothing and Items to Bring
- When using athletics: Comfortable clothing, athletic shoes, spare clothes, towel, beverages
- When using Aqua Venture: Swimsuit, towel, spare clothes, water shoes, sunscreen
- When strolling Flower Fantasy: Comfortable walking shoes, hat, camera
- When camping or barbecuing: All necessary equipment for the stay (rentals also available)
Park Facilities
- Restrooms: Located throughout the park
- Nursing room: Available (contact the management office for details)
- Coin lockers: Available (fee required)
- Shops: Available (light food, beverages, souvenirs, etc.)
- Vending machines: Located throughout the park
- Restaurants/Cafés: Café available within Flower Fantasy
Discount Information
- Disabled person discount: Holder of disability handbook and one caregiver eligible for discount
- Group discount: Group discount applied for 20 or more people
- Annual passport: Annual passport available for frequent visitors
For details, please contact the official website or management office.
Ways to Enjoy on Rainy Days
Field Athletics, Pony Ranch, and Aqua Venture are closed on rainy days, but Flower Fantasy, the Former Hanano Iie Residence, and the barbecue grounds (covered areas) can be enjoyed even in rain.
On rainy days, it’s recommended to check the official website in advance for operating status.
Conclusion: Enjoy a Full Day at Shimizu Park
Shimizu Park is a representative tourist attraction of Chiba Prefecture where you can enjoy a diverse range of activities including Japan’s largest field athletics, seasonal flowers, cherry blossom hotspots, camping and barbecuing, and animal interactions.
Despite being approximately one hour from central Tokyo by public transportation, you’re surrounded by abundant nature with facilities that allow both children and adults to enjoy themselves all day. The park offers seasonal charm—spring cherry blossoms, summer water play, autumn foliage, and peaceful winter strolls—ensuring new discoveries with each visit.
Whether for family outings, active holidays with friends, couple dating, or solo nature walks, Shimizu Park offers enjoyment for various occasions. Why not visit Shimizu Park in Noda City, Chiba Prefecture, during your next day off?
Please check the official website for the latest operating information, fees, and event information. May your visit to Shimizu Park create wonderful memories.
