KOISHIKAWA KORAKUEN GARDEN

If you are looking for things to do in Tokyo Japan, away from the bustle of the city, then look no further than the Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens. Located right next to the Tokyo Dome in Korakuen, it’s a nice peaceful garden inn the middle of this large metropolis.

Completed in 1629, this garden was built by Tokugawa Yorifusa, a member of the ruling Shogun Tokugawa family of the edo period (1603-1868) and a daimyo. His son, Tokugawa Mitsukuni fully completed building it. When Misukuni was constructing the garden and wondering what to put in the garden, he incorporated some concepts from the Chinese Confucian scholar Shushunsui which included the Seiko Lake from China and a full moon bridge (the bridge is supposed to look like a full moon with the reflection of the water). It was named Korakuen after a Chinese poem which entertained the idea that a ruler should enjoy his power after pleasing his people first. The garden also features tea house where you can enjoy traditional Japanese tea and sweets, a nice pond and seasonal flowers.

Entrance fee: 300 yen for Adults, 150 Yen for 65&over

Photo credit: Japan Guide

Address:  1 Chome-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004

Hours: Closed New Years holiday and occasional event days) 9am - 5pm

Website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index030.html

How to get there: A 5-10 minute walk from Iidabashi Station on the JR Chuo Line, Tozai, Yurakucho, Namboku and Oedo Subway Lines. Also a 5 minute walk from Suidobashi Station on the JR Chuo Line.