The Metasequoia glyptostroboides, or dawn redwood, was once thought to be extinct until living specimens were discovered in China in the 1940s.
The grove is part of the largest riverside park in Tokyo, which was originally a reservoir area.
These trees exhibit 'deciduous conifer' behavior, meaning they lose their needles in winter unlike most evergreen conifers.
The grove's structural alignment creates a 'hallway' effect that is frequently used by photographers to demonstrate vanishing point perspectives.
Metasequoia Grove is a densely planted cluster of dawn redwood trees located within the larger Mizumoto Park in Katsushika, Tokyo. The grove features tall, uniform rows of trees that provide a significant canopy, distinct from the surrounding open wetlands. These trees are known for their dramatic foliage transition, turning a deep bronze-red during the autumn months. The site is situated near the park's central water features, functioning as a primary shaded woodland area. The ground level typically remains soft and shaded throughout the year, supporting a specific microclimate within the park. It serves as a popular location for landscape photography due to the symmetrical spacing of the trunks.
From the center of the main path looking straight down the alignment of the trees to capture their vertical symmetry.
Bring insect repellent as the dense tree cover and proximity to water attract mosquitoes during warmer months.
Visit during the early morning hours to catch the light filtering through the vertical tree trunks before the crowds arrive.
Stay on the designated paths, as the soil around the tree roots is kept moist and can be muddy.
Do not attempt to visit immediately after heavy rainfall as the paths can become very muddy.
Stay on marked walking paths to protect the delicate root systems of the redwoods; do not climb the trees.
