Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, located in Tokyo, was created by Tokugawa Yorifusa and later by Tokugawa Mitsukuni. Influenced by Chinese landscapes and poetry, this Edo period garden captures cultural and historical elements from the era. Features within the garden include the Engetsukyo Bridge, plum and cherry trees, irises, and maple trees, as well as man-made hills and ponds. The design reflects Tokugawa Mitsukuni’s Confucian beliefs.

Despite various damages from fires and natural disasters, the garden has been carefully restored. It is recognized as a Special Historic Site and a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. Koishikawa Korakuen offers insight into Edo period aesthetics, with traditional architecture like tea houses complementing the landscape.

Visitors can appreciate the scenery throughout the year, with a recommended circular walk around the central pond. The garden’s proximity to modern attractions such as the Tokyo Dome contrasts with its preserved historical atmosphere. The rice field at the back of the garden is a nod to Japan’s agricultural past.