Visit one of Tokyo's finest traditional Japanese landscape gardens
Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens is arguably the most beautiful Japanese landscape garden in Tokyo. With a rich history and subtle influences from China, the garden maintains an exquisite aesthetic appeal throughout the seasons.
Tips
- Koishikawa Korakuen's seasonal attractions
- The Chinese-inspired Full Moon Bridge, Engetsu-kyo
- The weeping cherry trees near the entrance (west gate), in spring
Photo courtesy of Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association
Koishikawa Korakuen was completed during the Edo period (1603-1867), and is one of the oldest gardens in Tokyo. The feudal lord Yorifusa, founder of the Mito Tokugawa clan, started the construction of the garden, and it was completed by his son, Mitsukuni, with the help of Chinese scholar Shu Shunsui in 1669. Throughout the garden, visitors can find reproductions of famous Japanese and Chinese landscapes. These include Sho-rozan, a miniature hill representing China’s Mt. Lushan; Dai-sensui, a pond representing Japan’s Lake Biwa; and a miniature reproduction of Kisoji, Japan’s famous mountain road. As you walk along the circular path around the pond, you’ll see a different view every few steps.
Whatever season you choose to visit Koishikawa Korakuen, there is something special to see—the vibrant colored Japanese maple leaves in fall, plum blossoms in late winter, cherry blossoms in spring and the Japanese irises and lotus flowers in summer.
Despite being located in the middle of Tokyo and right next to Tokyo Dome City, an amusement park and a baseball field, an atmosphere of peace and calm reigns in the gardens.
The west gate of Koishikawa Korakuen is best accessed from Iidabashi Station on the JR Chuo Line, the Tozai, Yurakucho, and Namboku Tokyo Metro Lines, and the Toei Oedo Line. The east gate is accessible from JR Suidobashi Station or from Korakuen Station on the Marunouchi and Namboku Tokyo Metro Lines.
