Travel: Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens

In the Edo period of 1629, a magnificent garden took shape, destined to become a sanctuary of tranquility and reflection on mortality and power.

In the Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) the Mito Tokugawa family’s founder, Yorifusa, planted the seeds of what would become Korakuen – a place where future rulers could embrace a philosophy of enjoying power only after their duties of leadership were fulfilled.

Mitsukuni, the second in command, had an eye for beauty and a soul for the lessons of the past. He drew inspiration from the landscapes and scholarly ideals of the Ming dynasty.

Now, this garden is a place of hushed quiet contemplation amidst the bombastic, rushing and striving modern world around it. It’s a tiny treasure right next to a large sporting venue and is teeth by jowl with an amusement park with a death-defying rollercoaster within 500 metres.

Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens is a tranquil, contemplative masterpiece, designated as a Special Historical Site and a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. Although designed originally for nobility, the place continues to whisper tales of patience, joy, embodying the gentle wisdom of the ages to every person who enjoys its undulating ponds, bridges, and hills.

There’s a sense of exquisite discovery to the place with its winding stone pathways and small hills which open out onto unexpected and surprising vistas along the way.

How to get there

Koishikawa Korakuen is easily accessible within a 5 to 10-minute walk from Iidabashi Station, which is served by the JR Chuo Line (local trains only) and the Tozai, Yurakucho, Namboku, and Oedo subway lines. Alternatively, you can also reach it by a 5 to 10-minute walk from Suidobashi Station on the JR Chuo Line (local trains only). If you’re near Korakuen Station, it’s a straightforward 10-minute walk to the garden, accessible via the Marunouchi and Namboku subway lines.