What are the hours for Mizumoto Japanese Garden?

Mizumoto Japanese Garden is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.

Is there a cost to visit Mizumoto Japanese Garden?

No, entry to Mizumoto Japanese Garden is free.

Is Mizumoto Japanese Garden wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the garden has paved and boardwalk paths throughout, making it wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Can I bring pets or food to Mizumoto Japanese Garden?

Pets are not allowed inside the garden, but are permitted in the surrounding park. You can bring your own food to eat at benches within the garden.

How long should I plan to spend at Mizumoto Japanese Garden?

Plan for 1–2 hours to fully explore and enjoy the garden, or 30 minutes if you’re just taking a casual walk.

Mizumoto Japanese Garden – A Peaceful Escape in Springfield

Mizumoto Japanese Garden is a peaceful stroll garden tucked inside Springfield’s Nathanael Greene Park — koi ponds, quiet paths, and a real reason to slow down for an hour.

We visited Mizumoto Japanese Garden in November 2022. Fall colors were out in full force — reds, oranges, yellows, still some green holding on. Quiet, cool air, water running somewhere nearby. Genuinely one of the calmer stops we’ve had.

It’s the kind of place that would make a great repeat date spot — which is why we featured it in our guide to non-romantic date ideas.

At a Glance: Mizumoto Japanese Garden

📍 Address: 2400 S Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO 65807
📞 Phone: (417) 891-1515
🕐 Hours: April–Sept, daily 10am–7pm; Oct, daily 10am–6pm. Closed Nov–March except special events — check current hours before a shoulder-season visit.
💵 Admission: $6 adults (13+), $4 kids 3–12, free 2 and under
🌐 Website: parkboard.org/Mizumoto
🚌 Big-Rig Friendly: Yes — regular lot with plenty of room, just avoid it if there’s an event packing it out
⏱️ Time Needed: 30 minutes for a quick pass, 1–2 hours to actually take it in
🅿️ Parking: Free lot at the entrance
♿ Accessibility: Paved and boardwalk paths throughout
🐾 Pets: Allowed on a leash
🧺 Food: No vendors — bring your own picnic

What You’ll Find at Mizumoto Japanese Garden

Mizumoto Japanese Garden spans 7.5 acres, built as a walking garden. Paths take you past:

Koi ponds: Multiple ponds, some koi big enough to make you pause when they surface.
Stone lanterns and pagodas: Traditional Japanese elements placed throughout.
Waterfalls and streams: Small cascades running through the paths.
Wooden bridges and boardwalks: Well-maintained, winding through ponds and plantings.
Benches: Plenty of spots to sit and watch the koi or eat a snack.

Give it 30 minutes for a quick walk, or 1–2 hours if you want to actually take it in.

Best Time to Visit

Fall means color and cooler weather. Spring and summer bring more green and things actually blooming. The garden also hosts an annual Japanese Fall Festival every September — vendor booths, live music, a candlelight walk at dusk with wishing lanterns set afloat on the koi ponds — worth timing a visit around if you can.