Koishikawa Korakuen Garden 小石川 後楽園 in Tokyo, designed by the Mito Tokugawa leaders Yorifusa and Mitsukuni in the early Edo period, is one of the lesser-visited treasures in Tokyo. It is not large, but every angle seems to reveal postcard-perfect vistas with trees, hills, bridges, and ponds blending in pleasing harmony whatever the season.
Flowers bloom throughout the year, and it is especially lovely when fall colors are at their peak.
The name derives from a famous Chinese poem which states that rulers should “Maintain power first, then enjoy that power later.” Korakuen is “the garden for enjoying power later.” Features of the garden also reflect Chinese culture, from the lake based after China’s Seiko Lake, to the elegant Full Moon Bridge. The park was open to the public in 1938.
The garden is a beautiful example of the “strolling style” with many paths. They are uneven and rocky, so strollers and wheelchairs are only able to reach small sections of the whole area. However, they are fun to explore for more mobile visitors, and even young children can enjoy finding the bridges, buildings, and ponds with fish and turtles.
Koishikawa Korakuen is open from 9 am to 5 pm except December 29 through January 1, when it is closed. The entrance fee is 300 yen, or 150 yen for seniors over 65 years old. Elementary school children and younger can enter for free. The park gate is closest the Iidabashi Station, which serves JR, Tokyo Metro, and Toei trains. For more information: http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/koishikawa/index.html
photos by: kanegen & torisan3500, ptrktn, y_uno