Koishikawa Korakuen

Overview

Koishikawa Kōrakuen is one of Tokyo's oldest and most beautiful Japanese strolling gardens, built in the early Edo period (1629) by the Mito branch of the Tokugawa clan. Its carefully composed landscapes recreate famous scenes from China and Japan in miniature.

Highlights

• Miniature Landscapes: The garden contains miniature versions of Lake Xihu, the Togetsu-kyo bridge from Kyoto's Arashiyama, and rice paddies representing the rural landscape.
• Full Moon Bridge: An elegant circular stone bridge that, when reflected in the water, forms a perfect full moon — one of the most photographed features in any Tokyo garden.
• Autumn Colours: The garden is spectacular in late November when the maples turn crimson, particularly around the Tsuten-kyo bridge.

Visitor Tips

• Morning Visit: Open from 9 AM. Early mornings are quiet and atmospheric before tour groups arrive.
• Tokyo Dome Contrast: Adjacent to Tokyo Dome — the juxtaposition of a serene 400-year-old garden next to a modern baseball stadium is quintessentially Tokyo.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.