Prefectural Mitsuke Park (Kanagawa Prefecture) Complete Guide | From Cherry Blossom Hotspot to Four-Season Enjoyment
Prefectural Mitsuke Park, located in Tsurumi Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is nationally known as a cherry blossom hotspot selected for “Japan’s 100 Famous Cherry Blossom Spots.” With 78 varieties and approximately 1,600 cherry trees planted throughout, it is an urban park where visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms for an extended period from mid-February to late April. This article provides a thorough explanation from a local perspective, covering the park’s appeal, history, facilities, seasonal highlights, and access methods.
Overview and History of Prefectural Mitsuke Park
Basic Information About the Park
Prefectural Mitsuke Park is a comprehensive park operated by Kanagawa Prefecture, located at 1-1 Mitsuke Park, Tsurumi Ward, Yokohama City. Spanning approximately 29.7 hectares, it is situated about 1.8 km northwest of JR Tsurumi Station. The park is centered around three ponds (upper pond, middle pond, lower pond) that give the park its name, surrounded by abundant forest.
The park opened in 1957 (Showa 32), and has been cherished by local residents and tourists for over 60 years. The Park Center has a management office that responds to inquiries from 8:30 to 17:00, and the park itself is open year-round without closing days.
Historical Background of the Three Ponds
The three ponds that gave the park its name have a history of being used as irrigation reservoirs for agriculture during the Edo period. These ponds functioned as important infrastructure supporting agriculture in the Tsurumi area at that time, and now serve as important elements in shaping the park’s landscape. Walking trails are maintained around the ponds, providing an environment where visitors can enjoy nature throughout the four seasons.
History of Mitsuke Tumulus and Ancient Burial Mounds
In the hills within the park stands a round tumulus called “Mitsuke Tumulus.” This ancient burial mound is counted among the “burial mounds in the Komaooka area,” similar to the Komaooka and Kajiyama burial mound groups (including Kabuto Tumulus) that were once distributed throughout the northern part of Tsurumi Ward. This historically significant site demonstrates that the park serves not only as a recreational facility but also as a cultural asset conveying the region’s history.
Japanese-Korean Friendship Garden
To commemorate the friendship agreement between Kanagawa Prefecture and Gyeonggi Province, South Korea in 1990 (Heisei 2), a Korean-style garden was created within the park. This garden serves as a symbol of international exchange and has become a valuable facility transmitting the friendly relations between both regions to the present day.
The Charm of Cherry Blossoms at a Japan’s 100 Famous Cherry Blossom Spots
Diverse Cherry Trees: 78 Varieties and 1,600 Trees
The greatest feature of Prefectural Mitsuke Park is undoubtedly the diversity of cherry blossoms. With 78 varieties and approximately 1,600 cherry trees planted throughout the park, this rich variety of species was a major reason for selection as “Japan’s 100 Famous Cherry Blossom Spots.” While many famous cherry blossom viewing sites typically focus on a single variety centered around Somei Yoshino, Mitsuke Park allows visitors to enjoy various cherry varieties from early to late blooming over a period of more than two months.
Blooming Schedule and Best Viewing Times
The cherry blossom season at Mitsuke Park begins with Kan-zakura blooming in mid-February. This is followed by Kawazu-zakura and Taikan-zakura, with Somei Yoshino reaching full bloom from late March to early April. Late-blooming varieties continue to flower from mid to late April, making it possible to enjoy cherry viewing for an extended period—a major charm of Mitsuke Park.
Main Blooming Schedule:
- Mid to late February: Kan-zakura, Kawazu-zakura
- Early to mid-March: Taikan-zakura, Okame-zakura
- Late March to early April: Somei Yoshino, Yamato-zakura
- Mid to late April: Kanzakura, Fugenso and other double-flowered varieties
Cherry Blossom Varieties and Characteristics
Representative cherry blossom varieties found in the park include the following:
Early-Blooming Varieties
- Kan-zakura: Characterized by delicate pink small flowers
- Kawazu-zakura: Deep pink color, a popular early spring variety
- Taikan-zakura: Single-petaled pale crimson flowers
Mid-Season Varieties
- Somei Yoshino: Japan’s representative cherry blossom, planted in the largest numbers throughout the park
- Yamato-zakura: Close to wild species, with flowers and leaves opening simultaneously
- Weeping cherry: Characterized by elegant drooping branches
Late-Blooming Varieties
- Kanzakura: Deep pink double-petaled flowers
- Fugenso: Pale pink double-petaled flowers with distinctive leaflike female stamens protruding from the center
- Ukon: Rare greenish-yellow flower color
Crowding Conditions During Cherry Blossom Season
Weekends from late March to early April when Somei Yoshino reaches full bloom are particularly crowded with cherry blossom viewing visitors. Parking lots often reach capacity early in the morning, so using public transportation is recommended. Weekdays and the early and late blooming periods offer relatively peaceful cherry blossom viewing.
Four-Season Enjoyment
Spring (March–May)
Spring centers on the cherry blossom season, but after the blossoms fall, azaleas and flowering dogwoods continue to bloom throughout the park. New green foliage is beautiful, and the season is ideal for bird watching. Walking while listening to birdsong allows visitors to forget they are in an urban area and enjoy a time of relaxation.
Summer (June–August)
Deep green forest covers the park, and shaded walking courses provide cool respite. The area around the three ponds is particularly cool and ideal for escaping summer heat. While a summer pool was formerly operated, it is now unavailable due to age-related deterioration. However, the park remains bustling with families enjoying picnics on spacious grass areas and taking forest walks for relaxation.
Autumn (September–November)
Autumn is the season for autumn foliage. Japanese maples, ginkgo trees, and zelkova trees throughout the park turn color, and the autumn leaves reflected in the water around the ponds create beautiful scenery. Late October to mid-November is the best time for viewing autumn foliage. Though known as a cherry blossom hotspot, Mitsuke Park’s autumn colors should not be missed.
Winter (December–February)
Winter is the ideal season for bird watching. As deciduous trees lose their leaves, visibility improves, and waterfowl such as ducks and herons visit the ponds. Also, from mid-February, early-blooming Kan-zakura begins to flower, allowing visitors to feel the arrival of spring a little earlier.
Park Facilities and Recreation Equipment
Play Equipment Area
Popular with families with children is the well-equipped play equipment area. Amusement equipment is placed throughout the forest, with the “Jumbo Slide” being particularly popular. With its wide width allowing multiple children to slide simultaneously, it attracts enough crowds on weekends to form waiting lines.
Various difficulty levels of amusement equipment are installed to suit different age groups, providing enjoyment for everyone from toddlers to elementary school children. Benches for guardians to supervise are also placed around the equipment.
Tennis Courts
Tennis courts are maintained within the park and available for use by advance reservation. The courts, surrounded by forest, are popular with local tennis enthusiasts. Fees and reservation procedures can be confirmed at the Park Center.
Baseball Field
A baseball field is also maintained as one of the park’s sports facilities. It is used for practice and games by youth baseball teams and softball teams, with local teams active on weekends.
Open Spaces and Grass Areas
Multiple open spaces within the park are available for picnics and ball games. Especially during cherry blossom season, visitors spread out leisure sheets to enjoy picnics and celebrations. The grass areas are well-maintained and ideal for lying back to gaze at the sky or for children to run around.
Park Center
The Park Center houses the park management office, providing information on park usage, event details, and handling of lost and found items. It is equipped with nursing rooms and diaper changing facilities, making it safe to use with young children.
Events and Experience Programs
Tsurumi Play Park
The regularly held “Tsurumi Play Park” is an event where children can freely play in nature. Rope play, base building, mud play, and other experiences not possible during regular park use are available. This program fostering children’s creativity and sense of adventure is well-received by local families.
Seasonal Nature Experience Events
Nature experience events tailored to each season are also held. Spring wildflower observation sessions, summer insect collecting classes, autumn acorn gathering, and winter bird watching activities are provided to help visitors connect with nature. Some of these events require advance registration, so it is recommended to check the Park Center or website for information.
Cherry Blossom Festival
A “Cherry Blossom Festival” is held during the cherry blossom blooming season, featuring food stalls and special events. While nighttime illumination is not provided, daytime programs allow full enjoyment of the cherry blossoms’ beauty.
Mitsuke Park Renovation Workshop
Challenges of Aging Facilities
Over 60 years since opening, aging facilities have become an issue. The summer pool in particular, long cherished by local residents, is currently unusable due to equipment deterioration.
Citizen-Participatory Revitalization Plan
To address this issue, Kanagawa Prefecture established the “Mitsuke Park Renovation Workshop.” The prefecture engages in discussion with recruited users and community residents about how to address aging facilities. Rather than simply repairing facilities, this workshop seeks to explore new approaches to parks suited to contemporary needs.
Future Prospects
The renovation plan discusses balancing environmental conservation with improved convenience, creating facilities for multi-generational enjoyment, and strengthening disaster prevention features. Through revitalization reflecting public input, the goal is to create a park that will be cherished for the next 60 years.
Disaster Prevention Functions and Community Role
Function as Designated Evacuation Area
Prefectural Mitsuke Park is designated as a wide-area evacuation site for disasters. Its vast land and open spaces serve an important role in ensuring the safety of local residents in the event of large-scale disasters such as earthquakes.
Disaster Prevention Equipment
The park is equipped with disaster prevention kamado benches and disaster prevention toilets. The Park Center also functions as an information hub during disasters. Regular disaster prevention drills are conducted, contributing to enhanced disaster preparedness in the community.
Access Methods and Parking Information
Access by Public Transportation
By Bus from JR Tsurumi Station
- Take Rinko Bus “Route 05 (heading to Shin-Yokohama Station)” or “Route 06 (heading to Kajiyama)” or “Route 67 (Higashi-terao Loop)” from the west exit of JR Keihin-Tohoku Line “Tsurumi Station”
- Get off at “Terao Junior High School Entrance” bus stop, approximately 7 minutes walk
- Or get off at “Mitsuke Park North Gate” bus stop (limited service)
By Bus from Shin-Yokohama Station
- Take Rinko Bus “Route 05 (heading to Tsurumi Station West Exit)” from JR Yokohama Line and Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line “Shin-Yokohama Station”
- Get off at “Mitsuke Park North Gate” bus stop immediately
Walking from Tsurumi Station
- Approximately 25 minutes walk from JR Tsurumi Station (approximately 1.8 km)
- Walking while enjoying a healthy stroll is also recommended
Access by Car
Via Metropolitan Expressway
- Approximately 8 minutes from “Shioiri Exit” on Metropolitan Expressway Kanagawa Line 1
- Approximately 20 minutes from “Kohoku IC” on Daisan Keihin Road
Via General Roads
- Approximately 10 minutes from “Namazuike Intersection” on National Route 1
- Also accessible via Ring Road 2
Parking Information
Two parking areas are located within the park.
North Gate Parking Area
- Large vehicles: 6 spaces
- Standard vehicles: 91 spaces
- Disabled parking: 2 spaces
Main Gate Parking Area
- Standard vehicles: 55 spaces
- Disabled parking: 2 spaces
Parking Fees
- Regular period: Free
- Paid period: February–April cherry blossom season (standard vehicles ¥520/per visit, large vehicles ¥2,090/per visit)
- Operating hours: 5:30–19:30 (varies by season)
Parking areas often reach capacity early in the morning on weekends during peak cherry blossom season, making the use of public transportation strongly recommended.
Nearby Facilities and Dining Information
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Around Tsurumi Station
- The west exit of Tsurumi Station has shopping streets with restaurants and shopping facilities
- Walking paths along Tsurumi River are also popular
Soji-ji Temple
- A Soto Zen sect head temple, approximately 10 minutes by car from Mitsuke Park
- The expansive grounds and historic structures are notable
Dining at and Near the Park
While no permanent restaurants operate within the park, multiple vending machines are installed. During events like the cherry blossom festival, food stalls appear, allowing visitors to purchase light refreshments.
Basically, bringing a bento box for picnic-style dining is recommended. Convenience stores and supermarkets near Tsurumi Station allow visitors to purchase bento and drinks before coming to the park.
Usage Guidelines and Etiquette
Prohibited Activities
- Use of fire (barbecues, fireworks, etc.)
- Unleashed pets (leashes required)
- Bicycle riding outside designated areas
- Plant collection or damage
- Golf practice
- Drone operations
Recommended Etiquette
- Always take trash with you (no trash boxes are placed in the park)
- Consideration for other users (avoiding loud music, etc.)
- Smoking only in designated areas
- Always take pet waste with you
- Do not break cherry branches or climb trees
Barrier-Free Information
- Nursing room and diaper changing facilities at Park Center
- Disabled parking available
- Paved walking trails accessible by wheelchair
- Multi-purpose restrooms available
Designated Management and Operations System
Designated Management System
Prefectural Mitsuke Park is operated under the designated management system. The designated manager handles park maintenance, event planning, and improvement of user services.
Business Plans and Performance Reports
The designated manager formulates a business plan annually and publishes performance reports. This enables transparent park operations. Details can be confirmed on the Kanagawa Prefecture website.
Contact Information
Prefectural Mitsuke Park Management Office (Park Center)
- Address: 1-1 Mitsuke Park, Tsurumi Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa 230-0013
- Phone: 045-581-0287
- Reception Hours: 8:30–17:00
- Closed Days: None (open year-round)
Kanagawa Prefecture Environment and Agriculture Bureau, Green Policy Division, Natural Environment Conservation Section
- Inquiry desk for general prefectural park matters
Photography Spots and Instagram-Worthy Locations
Best Shots During Cherry Blossom Season
- Pond and Cherry Blossom Reflection: The reflection of cherry blossoms on the water’s surface of the three ponds creates a spectacular view
- Cherry Blossom Tunnel: Multiple locations along walking trails form cherry blossom tunnels
- View from the Hill: The expanse of cherry blossoms seen from elevated areas
Four-Season Photography Spots
- New Green Forest: The beautiful new foliage of May in the forested areas
- Autumn Foliage Along Pond: The combination of November foliage and ponds
- Winter Waterfowl: Telephoto lens shots of waterfowl
Notes for Photography
- When using tripods, be considerate of other visitors’ passage
- Commercial photography requires prior permission
- Drone photography is prohibited
Summary: How to Fully Enjoy the Charm of Mitsuke Park
Prefectural Mitsuke Park is an urban park where 78 varieties and 1,600 cherry trees bloom magnificently as a park selected for “Japan’s 100 Famous Cherry Blossom Spots,” bustling with many cherry blossom viewers in spring. However, its charm is not limited to cherry blossoms alone. Through the four seasons—deep green in summer, autumn foliage, and winter bird watching—visitors can enjoy nature continuously.
Well-equipped play equipment, tennis courts, baseball fields, and spacious grass areas serve a wide range of users from families to sports enthusiasts. There are also abundant historically and culturally significant sights, including the three ponds with history dating back to the Edo period, ancient burial mound sites, and the Japanese-Korean friendship garden.
Further enhancement of the park’s appeal is expected through the ongoing “Mitsuke Park Renovation Workshop.” With its convenient location just 1.8 km from Tsurumi Station and easy access by public transportation, Mitsuke Park welcomes visitors. Why not visit on your next day off?
Experience the beauty of Mitsuke Park with its changing appearance across seasons, and enjoy moments of contact with nature and family time. Particularly during the cherry blossom season, which lasts approximately two months from early to late blooming varieties, each visit should offer new discoveries.
