Lugging my camera gear on the long train journey to Kasai Rinkai Park in 2022, I was filled with high hopes of spotting some new feathered friends. My mission? To capture something a little more exciting than the brown-eared bulbuls I was used to photographing near my house.
Would I finally snap a shot of an osprey or a kestrel gliding over Tokyo Bay? Here’s what I discovered on my first bird photography trip to one of the city’s most scenic parks.
Getting to Kasai Rinkai Park
The buzz from various birdwatching websites had me excited. If they were right, this park was my chance to photograph the birds I’d been dreaming of. With a bit of luck, an osprey or a kestrel would be waiting.
So, on a Sunday afternoon after finishing work, I hopped on the train. I have to admit, it was a trek. The park is located in Edogawa Ward, near Disneyland in Tokyo’s far east, while I live in the city’s far west. The journey covered about 22 kilometers as the crow flies (pardon the pun) and took over an hour. Still, the promise of a beachside photo session made it all worthwhile.
More than just a birding spot
It’s important to know that Kasai Rinkai Park isn’t just for bird enthusiasts. It’s a very family-oriented place with a giant Ferris wheel and an aquarium. In the warmer months, you’ll see many people enjoying picnics on the grass.
The views were absolutely stunning and a huge draw for photographers. From the beach, I saw:
- The iconic Tokyo Gate Bridge
- The sprawling city skyline
- Huge ships and pleasure boats cruising on the water
- The magical silhouettes of Disneyland and DisneySea
- Chiba Prefecture, on the far side of the bay
With such a picturesque backdrop, Kasai Rinkai Park is a fantastic location for bird photography.
Where to find the birds
On the park grounds, you’ll find a bird-watching center (which was unfortunately closed during my visit) with some large ponds in front of it. It is typically full of ducks.
If you’re looking for something other than ducks, the beach is your best bet. While no one swims there, it’s a popular spot for activities like flying kites and playing baseball, so you may need to work around the crowds. This is where the real action is for photographing sea and shorebirds.
There are two islands off the beach. The east one is a designated bird reserve, so it’s off-limits. It’s a bit of a shame because it looks like a promising habitat from a distance.
The west island is accessible by a bridge. On my first visit, I found its east side to be best for bird photos. I managed to capture several species, including:
- Eurasian Coots
- Great Cormorants
- Great Egrets
- Grey Herons
- White-cheeked Starlings
The Kasai Rinkai Park birding experience
My first trip to Kasai Rinkai Park was a great experience, but I definitely learned a few things. I had read on birding blogs that goshawks, harriers, and kestrels frequent the park, but I saw none. Why?
In my excitement, I had overlooked one crucial detail: many of these birds are seasonal. Of course, they wouldn’t be there all year round. That’s a lesson I won’t forget for my next visit.
Another takeaway for me is to head straight to the beach next time. While I enjoy ducks, my real passion is photographing larger birds, and the ponds just didn’t hold my interest for long.
Is the park worth visiting?
Despite not finding my target birds, I had a fantastic time. The amazing views add a special element to the photographs, and I’ll definitely be going back again. Kasai Rinkai Park is truly a great Tokyo photo spot.
Plan your visit
- Where is Kasai Rinkai Park? The park is on the east side of Tokyo, near Disneyland.
- Address: 6-2 Rinkaicho, Edogawa City, Tokyo
- Train access: The most convenient way to get there is by taking the Keiyo Line or Musashino Line to Kasai-Rinkai Park Station.
- Opening hours: The park is open 24 hours a day, but be aware that the bridge to the West Island closes at 5 p.m.
- For the most up-to-date information, consult the official Kasai Rinkai Park website.
- I’ve marked some points of interest that might assist you when visiting Kasai Rinaki Park. You can also open this map in the Google Maps app to use it while you’re walking.
If you have any questions or your own experiences to share, please leave them in the comments below! For birding articles look at [Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park Photo Guide].