
Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
A serene 7.5-acre Japanese stroll garden featuring a koi lake, moon bridge, tea house, and meditation garden.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere

Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 7.5-acre Japanese stroll garden featuring a koi lake, moon bridge, tea house, and meditation garden.
"A true hidden gem offering tranquility and beauty for a minimal cost."

📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning photos of the moon bridge, koi, and lush greenery. Great for weddings and engagement shoots!
🚶♀️ Stroll & Reflect
Take your time to wander the paths, sit and enjoy the views. It's designed for peaceful reflection.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Moon Bridge
Koi Lake
An iconic arched bridge offering picturesque views of the tranquil koi pond and surrounding gardens.

Koi Lake
Central area
Watch vibrant koi fish gracefully swim in the serene waters, a quintessential element of Japanese garden design.

Tea House
Overlooking the lake
A traditional structure offering a peaceful spot for reflection and enjoying the garden's ambiance.

Meditation Garden
Secluded area
Find inner peace in this quiet space designed for contemplation and mindfulness.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Admission & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning photos of the moon bridge, koi, and lush greenery. Great for weddings and engagement shoots!
🚶♀️ Stroll & Reflect
Take your time to wander the paths, sit and enjoy the views. It's designed for peaceful reflection.
♿ Wheelchair Friendly
The grounds are well-maintained and navigable for wheelchairs, allowing everyone to enjoy the beauty.
🍂 Fall Festival Fun
Experience the Japanese Fall Festival for cultural activities, food, and a magical lantern stroll after dark.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning photos of the moon bridge, koi, and lush greenery. Great for weddings and engagement shoots!
🚶♀️ Stroll & Reflect
Take your time to wander the paths, sit and enjoy the views. It's designed for peaceful reflection.
♿ Wheelchair Friendly
The grounds are well-maintained and navigable for wheelchairs, allowing everyone to enjoy the beauty.
🍂 Fall Festival Fun
Experience the Japanese Fall Festival for cultural activities, food, and a magical lantern stroll after dark.
💡 Visit During Aglow
Don't miss the 'Gardens Aglow' Christmas light display for a magical evening experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden for its serene beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and affordability. It's lauded as a peaceful escape, perfect for quiet reflection, photography, and enjoying nature's artistry. While generally well-maintained, some reviews mention minor issues with debris during peak festival times.
"Beautiful place to go walk and meditate. Bathrooms on site. They have a small gift/ souvenir shop. Lovely spot to read and relax. We went in the spring time and the smells of the blooming trees was alluring to the senses. It would be a beautiful place for pictures and weddings"
JLove
"Great place to take kids for an afternoon stroll! It's $6/ adults and $4/ kids 3 and older. 0-2 are free. They also offer group rates for 10 or more. Grounds are well kept. Ticket house also has clean restrooms and picnic tables for use. The playgrounds are right next door at Nathaniel Greene Park. Does have a different parking for other areas but is within walking distance of parking at Mizumoto."
Shelby Long
"The gardens were a lovely experience. There is so much beauty in the small details. Lovely colorsd evergreens and maples throughout. Tranquil, peaceful, and not over-crowded (even on Saturday). We were able to maneuver a wheelchair with no difficulty. Chatting with patrons here and there. Many places to sit and rest or capture a picture. Worth a visit or two."
Elizabeth Granfors
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The garden is located at 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO. It's part of the larger Springfield Botanical Gardens. Parking is available nearby, though during busy events like the Fall Festival, you might need to park on the grass.
Yes, there is dedicated parking for Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden. It's within walking distance of parking for other areas of the Botanical Gardens.
Information on public transportation routes to the garden is limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access the garden. Check local Springfield transit schedules for potential options.
While it's part of the larger complex, follow signs for the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden. During the Fall Festival, some directions might be confusing, so aim for the furthest point from the park entrance.
From downtown Springfield, head south on Scenic Avenue. The garden will be on your right. It's a straightforward drive, typically taking about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children aged 3-12. Children under 3 are free. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more.
Operating hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's best to check the official Springfield Botanical Gardens website or local listings for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Tickets are typically purchased at the ticket house upon arrival. For special events like the Fall Festival or Gardens Aglow, it's advisable to check if advance ticket purchase is recommended or required.
Group rates are offered for parties of 10 or more. Specific discounts for seniors, students, or military personnel are not widely advertised, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket house.
Yes, the garden paths are generally well-maintained and navigable for wheelchairs, making it accessible for most visitors.
📸 📸 Photography & Videography
Yes, photography and videography are generally allowed and encouraged. It's a popular spot for engagement and wedding photos.
While personal photography is fine, commercial photography or videography may require special permits. Always be respectful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways.
The iconic moon bridge, the tranquil koi lake, the tea house, and the various garden nooks offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in public parks and gardens to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. Check with the park administration for specific drone policies.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for photography. During special events like 'Gardens Aglow,' the nighttime light displays create a magical photographic setting.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
You can stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, admire the koi pond and moon bridge, meditate, read, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Yes, clean restrooms are available on-site, located near the ticket house.
Yes, there is a small gift and souvenir shop where you can purchase mementos of your visit.
Picnic tables are available for use, making it a pleasant spot for a relaxed meal amidst nature.
Yes, children can enjoy a stroll through the garden. The adjacent Nathaniel Greene Park has playgrounds, making it a great combined outing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The garden itself does not have a restaurant, but there is a small gift shop that may offer snacks. Picnic tables are available if you bring your own food.
Springfield offers a variety of dining options. You can find restaurants in Chesterfield Village or explore the Historic District on Commercial Street for diverse culinary experiences.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy at the designated picnic tables.
While not directly at the garden, Springfield has a growing food scene. Exploring local eateries in areas like Chesterfield Village or downtown can offer diverse culinary delights.
Typically, alcohol is not permitted in public parks and gardens. It's best to confirm with the park's regulations before bringing any alcoholic beverages.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the garden itself is more about quiet observation, the adjacent Nathaniel Greene Park offers playgrounds, providing a perfect complement for kids who need to burn off energy. You can also utilize the picnic tables for a family meal. Admission is very affordable, making it a budget-friendly family activity.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
It's also a popular location for engagement and wedding photography, highlighting its romantic appeal. For a unique date night, check out the 'Gardens Aglow' Christmas light display or the magical lantern stroll during the Japanese Fall Festival.
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Mindfulness Seekers
It's a place to escape the hustle and bustle, read a book, or journal. The affordable admission and generally uncrowded nature (especially on weekdays) make it an accessible retreat for solo travelers looking to recharge.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Japanese Garden Design
Key features include the iconic moon bridge, which symbolizes passage and transition, and the koi lake, where vibrant fish add life and movement to the serene waters. The tea house provides a space for quiet contemplation, reflecting the importance of mindfulness in Japanese culture. The garden's layout guides visitors through a meandering path, revealing new vistas and perspectives at every turn, creating an immersive and meditative experience.
Visitors often praise the garden's ability to create a calm and peaceful reflection environment, noting the beauty in the small details and the thoughtful arrangement of evergreens and maples. Even during busier times, the garden's design allows for a sense of personal space and tranquility, making it a true escape from the everyday hustle.
Seasonal Spectacles and Special Events
The garden also hosts popular special events that draw significant crowds. The Japanese Fall Festival is a highlight, featuring cultural activities, entertainment, and a memorable lantern stroll after dark around the koi ponds. Another beloved event is 'Gardens Aglow,' a Christmas light display that illuminates the garden with festive decorations, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for families and couples.
While these events offer unique charm, they can also lead to larger crowds. Visitors attending festivals should be prepared for more people and potentially different parking arrangements. Despite the crowds, the unique cultural experiences and stunning visual displays make these events highly anticipated.
A Gem for Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the main landmarks, the garden's intricate details—from carefully pruned bonsai to moss-covered stones and delicate flowers—provide endless subjects for close-up and macro photography. The changing seasons add another layer of photographic appeal, with spring blossoms and autumn colors offering dynamic backdrops.
For those looking to capture special moments, the garden is a popular choice for engagement and wedding photography. The serene ambiance and beautiful scenery create a romantic setting. During the 'Gardens Aglow' event, the nighttime light displays offer a unique and magical opportunity for festive photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit