Koishikawa Korakuen Garden 🌿🍁 | Walking Tour of Tokyo in a Day

Audio Guide Tokyo | Walking Tour of Tokyo in a Day

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden 🌿🍁

Step into the tranquil beauty of Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, one of Tokyo’s oldest and most beautiful Japanese gardens. Established in the early Edo period (1629), this garden blends traditional Chinese and Japanese landscaping techniques, creating a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Whether you’re visiting during cherry blossom season, the vibrant colors of autumn, or just looking for a quiet stroll, Koishikawa Korakuen is a must-visit destination for nature and history lovers alike. Let’s dive into the details!

1. Google Maps Link

Find your way easily: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden on Google Maps

2. Next Subway Station Nearby 🚇

• Iidabashi Station (JR Chuo-Sobu Line, Tozai Line, Yurakucho Line, Namboku Line, Oedo Line) – About a 10-minute walk from the garden, this station offers multiple convenient train lines.
• Korakuen Station (Marunouchi Line, Namboku Line) – Just a 5-minute walk to the garden’s entrance, making it a perfect option if you’re coming from central Tokyo.
• Suidobashi Station (JR Chuo-Sobu Line, Mita Line) – Another nearby station, about 10 minutes away on foot, great if you’re coming from Tokyo Dome City.

3. Good Places to Eat Nearby 🍜🍵🍰

After your relaxing walk through the garden, you might want to grab a bite to eat. Here are some great nearby options:

• Tokyo Dome City LaQua Dining – Located close to the garden, this shopping complex offers a variety of restaurants, from casual cafés to more upscale dining options. Perfect for a post-garden meal. 🍛🍣
• Ramen Jiro – A popular spot for ramen lovers, this place is famous for its tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen with hearty portions. 🍜
• Kuriyakashi Kurogi – For something sweet, this cozy café near Korakuen Station offers traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets) and matcha. It’s a great place to unwind after your garden visit. 🍵🍡
• Kanda Yabu Soba – Located a bit further but worth the trip, this is one of Tokyo’s most famous soba (buckwheat noodle) restaurants. A great spot to enjoy a traditional meal. 🍜

4. Best Photo Spots 📸

• Engetsu-kyo Bridge – The striking stone bridge that arches over the pond is one of the garden’s most iconic features. It’s especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves around it turn vibrant shades of red and orange. 🌉🍂
• Daisensui Pond – The central pond is surrounded by seasonal flowers, trees, and picturesque footpaths. Whether during cherry blossom season or autumn foliage, it’s a perfect spot for reflection photos. 🌸🍁
• Tsutenkyo Bridge – A red wooden bridge that connects two hills in the garden, Tsutenkyo is another picture-perfect spot, especially during the autumn season when the leaves create a fiery backdrop. 🍁
• Full Moon Bridge (Kangetsu-dai) – A beautiful structure that reflects in the pond, creating a "full moon" effect. This is one of the most photogenic spots in the garden, ideal for capturing serene landscapes. 🌕🏯

5. Opening Times of the Sight ⏰

• Koishikawa Korakuen Garden:
  Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM).
  Note: The garden may close during extreme weather events, so check online if you’re visiting during the rainy season or winter.

6. Additional Insider Tips 🧐

• Seasonal Highlights: Koishikawa Korakuen is stunning year-round, but it’s particularly famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring (late March to early April) and autumn leaves (late November). Be sure to visit during these times for the most breathtaking scenery! 🌸🍂
• Quiet Corners: While the garden can get busy during peak seasons, there are plenty of quiet spots to enjoy. Head to the inner paths or around the rice paddies for a more secluded experience. 🌾
• Historical Background: This garden was designed by the Tokugawa clan, who ruled Japan during the Edo period. The name "Korakuen" means "Garden of Enjoying After," which comes from a Chinese teaching that a ruler should enjoy pleasures only after achieving happiness for his people. This historical connection adds depth to the beauty of the garden. 🏯📜
• Combination Visit: If you’re a history lover, consider combining your visit with nearby Kagurazaka, a charming neighborhood known for its old-fashioned streets and traditional geisha houses. It’s just a short walk or train ride away. 🚶‍♂️

7. Hidden Gem 💎

• Bairin-zaka (Plum Grove Slope) – One of the less-visited areas of the garden, this gentle slope is filled with plum trees that bloom in late winter (February to March). It’s a peaceful spot to visit before the cherry blossoms arrive, and it’s much quieter than the main sections of the garden. 🌸

8. Public Bathrooms Nearby 🚻

• Inside the Garden – There are clean and well-maintained public restrooms located near the entrance and within the garden itself.
• Tokyo Dome City – If you’re heading toward Tokyo Dome City after your garden visit, there are public bathrooms available in the LaQua shopping complex and around the amusement park. 🚻