Koishikawa Korakuen, a garden steeped in history

Inspired by Chinese gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen features a unique layout that blends the two cultures. The garden was designed as a place for the feudal lords of the domain to stroll during their leisure time and is organized around a series of viewpoints that unfold as visitors walk through it.

Now designated a historic site, Koishikawa Korakuen is one of Tokyo’s oldest gardens.

A stroll through the park offers different views of the landscape, designed to evoke famous sites in Asia.

It’s one of the most iconic features of the park! Its stone arch is reflected on the water’s surface, forming an almost perfect circle that evokes the full moon, from which it takes its name. Inspired by Chinese architecture, it reflects the influences that shaped the design of Koishikawa Korakuen. 

Landscapes Inspired by Japan and China

Koishikawa Korakuen is more than just a few bridges! It also features artificial hills, stone paths, and areas reminiscent of famous Asian landscapes, such as West Lake in Hangzhou, China.

• In spring, plum trees generally bloom between February and March. Cherry trees then add their touches of pink, depending on the variety and the conditions that year.
• In summer, irises produce beautiful blooms at the start of the season.
• In the fall, the maple trees add a splash of color, particularly along the banks of the Tsutenkyo Bridge. 
• In winter, the silhouettes of the trees and the unobstructed views allow visitors to appreciate the garden’s layout more clearly.

Our tip: From mid- to late November, the garden hosts nighttime illuminations to highlight the fall foliage. These events attract many visitors every year, who rush to Koishikawa Korakuen as soon as the sun sets. To avoid the crowds, we recommend arriving a little before 8:00 p.m. (last admission).

Just a few minutes' walk away, Tokyo Dome City offers a change of scenery with its restaurants, shops, and attractions, including a roller coaster for thrill-seekers. It's the perfect place to have lunch or grab a coffee. The complex is also home to the Tokyo Dome, an indoor stadium that hosts baseball games and major concerts.

For a more nature-oriented break, head to  Koishikawa Botanical Garden, managed by the University of Tokyo. Unlike Koishikawa Korakuen, which was designed as a landscape garden, this garden is dedicated to the study and preservation of plants. While its collections feature numerous plant species to discover throughout the seasons, it’s in the fall that it becomes most photogenic, when its maple trees form a crimson arch overhead.

Want to see the city from above? The Bunkyo Civic Center has a free observation deck on the top floor. Its large floor-to-ceiling windows offer a panoramic view of Tokyo and, on clear days, of  Mount Fuji. We recommend grabbing a drink to go from a café right downstairs to sip on while taking in the view from above, a great way to wrap up your visit to the neighborhood on a pleasant note!