Fukuoka・Yakuoji Mizube Park — A Calm, Crowd-Free 1 km Dog Walk

Yakuoji Mizube Park is a waterfront park in Yakuoji, Koga City, Fukuoka, where you can walk a full loop around Kawachi Pond. It’s close to my place, and before I knew it, it had become my “home park”—the kind of spot I end up visiting at least once a month without even thinking about it.

Why do I like it so much? Simple: it hits the perfect trio—quiet, not crowded, and easy to walk. The path around the pond is about 1 km, which is just the right distance for a walk with my dog.

In spring, the fresh mountain greens are beautiful. In summer, there’s plenty of shade, so if you choose the right time of day it doesn’t feel unbearably hot. Autumn is especially nice when the leaves start to turn and the colors reflect on the water. And in winter, the air is crisp and clear, and the calmness feels even deeper. No matter the season, it always has its own charm—and whenever I think, “I just want a short, good walk,” this park naturally pops into my head.

For detailed basics, Koga City’s official website has a page for Yakuoji Mizube Park, so it’s a good idea to check it before you go.

Access & Parking (Yakuoji, Koga City, Fukuoka)

The park is in the Yakuoji area of Koga City. From the Koga IC exit on the Kyushu Expressway, it’s about 4.5 km—roughly a 15-minute drive.

There’s a free parking lot a little below the park, with space for about 12 cars. There are restrooms as well, including an accessible one. The facilities are simple, but everything you’d actually need is there.

If you’re coming by bus, it’s about a 20-minute walk from the Nishitetsu bus stop “Yakuoji.” Having a car is definitely easier, but walking in with a relaxed, hike-like vibe is also a nice option.

One thing to note: the hill from the parking lot up to the park. It isn’t very long, but it’s steeper than you expect—one of those “oh, this is actually kind of a climb” slopes. My dog and I go up just fine, but if you’re with older family members, or you’ve been a bit inactive lately, you might find yourself a little out of breath.

That said, the moment you reach the top, the view opens up—Kawachi Pond and the lawn spread out right in front of you—and every time I think, “Yep… I’m glad we came.”

A 1 km Walk Around Yakuoji Mizube Park: My Stroll Report

Up the steep hill from the parking lot

After parking, I re-check the leash, get everything ready, and start walking up. The second we begin climbing, my dog is already pulling forward like, “Come on, let’s go!” That alone instantly boosts my mood.

The climb is short, but it’s a real incline. I treat it like a quick warm-up, but if you’re not sure about your footing, sneakers are a must.

At the top, the view suddenly opens—a grassy area, Kawachi Pond, and the mountains beyond. It’s only been a few minutes since we stepped out of the car, but it feels like we’ve teleported into a quiet little world tucked into the hills. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to take a deep breath first.

A shaded path and calm water—one full loop

From there, we head onto the path and start the full loop around the pond. The walkway is well maintained, with a surface that feels like a mix of gravel and packed earth—easy and comfortable to walk on.

The loop is about 1 km—not too long, not too short. For me it’s the perfect length: long enough to warm up your body, but not so long that you feel worn out afterward. I’ve seen reviews saying it’s “perfect for walking a dog,” and honestly, once you walk it, you get exactly what they mean.

But the biggest thing I love is the quietness. Even on weekends, it rarely feels crowded. At most, you’ll pass a runner, a family with kids, or another person walking their dog. If your timing is good, it can feel almost like you have the whole place to yourself.

There are plenty of shaded sections too, so in summer, if the breeze comes through, it’s surprisingly comfortable. From the pond you sense the presence of water; from the mountain side you hear birdsong. Just walking here feels like your head gets reset.

Gazebos and Tables—Great to Have, But…

One of the park’s nice features is that there are gazebos (roofed benches) and tables scattered around. There are rest spots along the path, so whenever you feel like sitting down and taking in the view, you can.

I often pick up something simple—like rice balls from a convenience store—and have a light lunch at one of the tables. But here’s the honest part:

A lot of the tables and benches are pretty dirty.

Sometimes it’s just dust or fallen leaves. Other times—depending on the season—you’ll find bird droppings. There are moments when you look at a table and think, “Yeah… sitting here as-is might be a bit much.”

So I always carry wet wipes or a small cloth in my bag. Bringing a small picnic sheet and laying it over the table is also a solid move. That way, you can use the space without worrying too much.

Meanwhile, my dog will be lying down calmly beside me, or staring with sparkly eyes, clearly hoping for a treat. I like that this park naturally gives you a good balance of walking time and pause time.

From a Dog Owner’s Perspective: What’s Great & What to Watch Out ForWhat makes it dog-friendly

What makes it dog-friendly

From a dog-walker’s point of view, this park scores pretty high.

Nature, but well maintained paths
The ups and downs aren’t too intense, so it feels accessible for small dogs and senior dogs too.

Quiet, not many people
Great for dogs that get nervous around crowds or other dogs.

About 1 km per loop—perfect exercise
Speed-walk and it’s a workout; stroll slowly and it’s still easy on the body.

There’s also a wide grassy area on the far side of the pond—nice for walking together on-leash, letting your dog sniff around, and just relaxing.

Things to be careful about (the hill, dirt, ticks, etc.)

On the other hand, there are a few things to keep in mind—especially with a dog.

First, that hill from the parking lot. Humans tend to get winded more than dogs, so especially in summer, don’t push it—take breaks if you need to.

Also, the environment around the grassy area. Some reviews mention periods when there are a lot of ticks, and some people said they saw deer droppings scattered around. It really is a park that feels deep in nature, so I’d strongly recommend:

Flea/tick preventative medication
Brushing after you get home
Checking paws and fur

And because it’s a waterfront area, mosquito protection and heartworm prevention are essential in summer. The pond itself is not for swimming, so you’ll want to make sure your dog doesn’t jump in.

Seasonal Highlights & My Favorite Times to Go

What I love is that the park doesn’t just feel “pretty good” all year—its mood genuinely changes with the seasons.

Spring (March–April)
The mountains turn vivid, with fresh greens and hints of cherry blossoms. If the timing is right, you can even see cherry trees across the pond—it looks amazing.
Summer (July–August)
The sun is strong, but shaded paths and open grassy areas can feel surprisingly pleasant when the wind passes through. Kids splashing in the small stream area is also a sweet sight.
Autumn (October–November)
As the leaves change, oranges and reds reflect on the pond, and it feels like a mini autumn hike just from walking.
Winter (December–February)
There are fewer people, the silence gets even deeper, and walking in the crisp air feels incredibly refreshing.

I usually go in the morning to late morning, or in the late afternoon when the sun starts to lower. In midsummer, I avoid the middle of the day so the ground doesn’t get too hot.

And because the distance is so manageable, it’s easy to adjust depending on the day—“Let’s just do half today,” or “Let’s do a full loop and then snack time at a gazebo.”

When I Want a Quiet Walk with My Dog in Koga, This Is the Place

Yakuoji Mizube Park in Koga City, Fukuoka has:

A ~1 km loop around Kawachi Pond
A calm, not-crowded atmosphere
Gazebos and tables for breaks
Mountain-and-water scenery that changes with the seasons

Put together, it’s become my “home park”—the kind of place I want to visit every month for a dog walk.

If I had to give three quick tips for first-timers:

The hill from the parking lot is steeper than it looks—wear comfortable shoes
Tables and benches can be dirty—bring wet wipes or a small picnic sheet
It’s real nature—be serious about ticks/mosquitoes (and prevention)

If you’re thinking, “Is there a quiet place in Koga where I can walk my dog slowly and peacefully?”—give Yakuoji Mizube Park a try.

I bet you’ll end up thinking the same thing I do:
“Yeah… I’m going to come here once a month.”