Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens is a daimyo garden whose construction began in 1629 under Tokugawa Yorifusa, the first lord of the Mito Tokugawa family, and was completed during the time of the second lord, Tokugawa Mitsukuni. It is the earliest daimyo garden completed during the Edo period and is said to have influenced daimyo gardens throughout Japan.
Built to take advantage of the undulating terrain at the southern edge of the Koishikawa Plateau, the garden features a richly varied landscape centered on the “sea” of the Great Pond, or Daisensui, modeled after Lake Biwa, along with scenes depicting mountains, rivers, and rural fields, as well as vistas inspired by famous sites throughout Japan.
Mitsukuni devoted himself to Chinese-style garden design rooted in Confucianism. In particular, he incorporated the ideas of Zhu Shunshui, a Ming scholar who had sought exile in Japan, and arranged famous Chinese landmarks throughout the garden.
Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens, with its beautiful harmony of Japanese and Chinese elements and its ever-changing appearance throughout the four seasons, continues to maintain its outstanding scenery thanks to the skill of its gardeners. It has been designated as a national cultural property, classified as a Special Historic Site and a Special Place of Scenic Beauty.
〒112-0004
1-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo
03-3811-3015
Parks and Gardens
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Last admission at 4:30 p.m.)
Year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29-Jan. 1)
General admission: 300 yen; Seniors 65 and older: 150 yen; Elementary school students and younger, as well as junior high school students residing or attending school in Tokyo, are admitted free of charge.
Admission is free for individuals presenting a Physical Disability Certificate, a “Love” Certificate, a Mental Health and Welfare Certificate, or a Rehabilitation Certificate, as well as their accompanying persons.
■ East Gate
5-minute walk from “Suidobashi” (West Exit) on the JR Sobu Line
8-minute walk from “Korakuen” (Exit 2) on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Namboku Lines
8-minute walk from “Suidobashi” (A2) on the Toei Mita Line
■ West Gate
3-minute walk from “Iidabashi” (Exit C3) on the Toei Oedo Line
8-minute walk from “Iidabashi” (East Exit) on the JR Sobu Line
8-minute walk from “Iidabashi” (Exits A1 and A3) on the Tokyo Metro Tozai, Yurakucho, and Namboku Lines
※The written notice and information on this page are as of the date of publication. Please refer or confirm the latest information of each spot on individual introduced website.
