Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens 小石川後楽園

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.

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 with the help of Chinese scholar Shu Shunsui in 1669. There are reproductions of both famous Japanese and Chinese scenery throughout the garden, represented by the miniature hills, ponds, stones and trees. 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 many types of flowers in summer.

Despite being located in the middle of Tokyo and right next to Tokyo Dome City, an amusement park and large event venue, an atmosphere of peace and calm reigns in the gardens.

Koishkawa 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; it's just a five-minute walk to the entrance. It's also a similar walk from JR Suidobashi Station or a 10-minute walk from Korakuen Station.