A Japanese garden in the heart of Tokyo. As I walked through what I thought was an ordinary Japanese garden, I discovered a small valley that made me forget I was in the middle of the city.
A Traditional Japanese Garden in the Heart of Tokyo
Tokyo has several famous Japanese gardens. Among the best known are Hama-rikyu Gardens, Rikugien Garden, Kyu-Furukawa Gardens, and the Ninomaru Garden inside the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Each one has its own charm, and it is hard to believe they are located in the middle of one of the world’s largest cities.
When people think of a Japanese garden, they usually imagine a large pond, elegant bridges, stone lanterns, and trees such as pine, cherry, and maple. These gardens also feature many kinds of plants, so visitors can enjoy different scenery throughout the year.
Among these gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen surprised me the most.
A Garden I Discovered Only Recently
Koishikawa Korakuen is located in the center of Tokyo. The nearest stations are Iidabashi, Suidobashi, and Korakuen. For people who have lived in Tokyo for many years, the name “Korakuen” usually brings to mind Tokyo Dome or the nearby amusement park. I have visited both many times, but I only visited Koishikawa Korakuen recently.
One reason was simple. I had never been very interested in the garden. Another reason was that its two entrances are a little away from Tokyo Dome and the amusement park, so they are not easy to notice. Unless you plan to visit the garden, you may never find it.
More Trees Than I Expected
I entered through the West Gate, which feels like the main entrance. After walking a short distance, I saw a large pond in front of me. It is one of the classic features of a Japanese garden.
Visitors can walk around the pond. As I stood by the water, I noticed something different from many other Japanese gardens. There were far more trees than I had expected.
A Mountain Trail Inside a Japanese Garden
As I walked along the left side of the pond, I found a path climbing up the hillside. Looking at the garden map, I realized that paths spread throughout the garden. When I walked up the hill, I was surprised. It felt like a mountain trail rather than a garden path. At one point, I almost forgot I was walking through a Japanese garden. It felt more like I was hiking in the mountains.
Along the trail, I found a charming little hall and two beautiful bridges. One is the bright red Tsuten-kyo Bridge, and the other is the stone Engetsu-kyo Bridge. I also passed waterfalls, small streams, and steep stone steps. The scenery changes constantly, making this part of the garden especially enjoyable.
Please note that Tsuten-kyo Bridge is currently being rebuilt because of aging.
A Peaceful Valley in Central Tokyo
After walking clockwise around the pond, I reached the northern part of the garden, where Japanese irises bloom in season. I then continued toward the East Gate. Near the East Gate, I found another pond with the elegant Karamon Gate standing beside it. It is one of the most picturesque spots in the garden.
Finally, I walked back toward the West Gate through a path surrounded by trees. Just like the wooded area near the West Gate, this area feels completely different from central Tokyo. A small valley-like landscape spreads out before me, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
When I think of a valley in central Tokyo, Todoroki Valley usually comes to mind. However, I found Koishikawa Korakuen just as peaceful and relaxing.
More Than Just a Japanese Garden
About 70% of Japan is covered by forests and mountains. However, it is difficult to experience that kind of natural landscape within Tokyo.
That is why I think Koishikawa Korakuen is more than just a Japanese garden. It is a wonderful place to experience the natural beauty of Japan without leaving the center of the city.
I highly recommend visiting this remarkable garden.
Basic Information
■ Name of Place : Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
■ Address : 1-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo ward, Tokyo, Japan
■ Homepage : https://honyaku.j-server.com/LUCTMPA/ns/tl.cgi/https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/koishikawakorakuen/index.html?SLANG=ja&TLANG=en&XMODE=0&XJSID=0
