The Prestige of Koishikawa Korakuen Garden: A Top 5 Japanese Garden
Yesterday, we informed you that Koishikawa Korakuen is the wide-area evacuation site for the Kagurazaka area. But do you know just how remarkable Koishikawa Korakuen really is? Despite being located in the heart of Tokyo, it is one of the premier Japanese gardens (a strolling garden with artificial hills and ponds).
Koishikawa Korakuen is designated as both a "Special Historic Site" and a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" under Japan’s Cultural Property Protection Law.
A "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" is a highly valuable landscape designated by the government, akin to a National Treasure. There are only 36 such sites across the country. A "Special Historic Site" is a location of particularly high academic value, symbolizing Japan’s cultural heritage. There are 63 of these sites nationwide. Only 9 locations in Japan have been designated as both a "Special Historic Site" and a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty," and only 5 of them are Japanese gardens. Therefore, it’s fair to say that Koishikawa Korakuen is recognized as one of Japan’s top 5 gardens.
Here are the 9 locations designated as both a "Special Historic Site" and a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty":
Koishikawa Korakuen (Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo)
Hama-Rikyu Gardens (Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
Motsuji Temple Garden (Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture)
Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins Garden (Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture)
Kinkaku-ji (Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture)
Ginkaku-ji (Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture)
Sanbo-in Garden and Main Hall at Daigo-ji Temple (Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture)
Garden of the Left Capital of Heijo-kyo (Nara City, Nara Prefecture)
Itsukushima Shrine (Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture)
An Edo-Period Theme Park: Explore Japan and China’s Famous Sites Within Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
Koishikawa Korakuen can also be considered an Edo-period theme park. This is because it replicates famous locations from both Japan and China within the garden. For example, there’s the "Tsuten Bridge," modeled after the bridge of the same name at Tofuku-ji Temple in Kyoto, the "Dai-sensui" pond, designed to represent Lake Biwa, and the "West Lake Dike," inspired by the famous West Lake in Hangzhou, China. Simply strolling through the garden allows you to see places that mirror some of the most iconic sites in Japan and China.
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden: Closely Tied to the Third Shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu
Koishikawa Korakuen was completed in 1629 under the direction of Tokugawa Yorifusa, the first lord of the Mito Domain and the son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Shogunate. This was seven years before the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, built Kagurazaka in 1636. Yorifusa and Iemitsu were known to have a close relationship, sharing interests such as Noh theater and tea ceremonies. There are records showing that Iemitsu visited Koishikawa Korakuen many times.
Korakuen: A Name Inspired by Confucian Wisdom, Relevant Even Today
The name "Korakuen" was given by the Confucian scholar Zhu Shunshui, who came to Japan from China. Koraku means to enjoy later. It is derived from a passage in the "Yueyang Lou Ji" which states, "The virtuous ruler takes upon himself the cares of the people before anyone else, and only enjoys pleasure after the people have found their own." This is a teaching that could benefit modern politicians around the world.
A Hidden Gem: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Just Minutes from Kagurazaka
For your reference, I live within a 10-minute walk from Koishikawa Korakuen. I am very fond of the garden and even had an annual pass (¥1,200) that allowed me to visit anytime. I frequently visited Koishikawa Korakuen, enjoying the cherry blossoms in spring, the autumn foliage, and the beautiful scenery in each season. Located just a 5-10 minute walk from Kagurazaka, this splendid daimyo garden is a must-visit.
Unfortunately, like Kagurazaka, Koishikawa Korakuen is not very well-known, and there are relatively few foreign tourists. However, this means you can leisurely explore the garden and fully enjoy one of Japan's finest landscapes. Conveniently located near Tokyo Dome and Toyota Motor Corporation's Tokyo headquarters, it is a spot I strongly recommend to foreign visitors.
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
Location:
1-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM), Closed: December 29 - January 1
Admission:
General ¥300, Seniors (65 and older) ¥150 (Free for children in elementary school and younger, and for Tokyo residents or students in junior high school)
Access:
West Gate:
3-minute walk from Exit C3 of Iidabashi Station on the Toei Oedo Line (E06)
8-minute walk from the East Exit of Iidabashi Station on the JR Sobu Line (JB16)
8-minute walk from Exits A1 and A3 of Iidabashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai, Yurakucho, and Namboku Lines (T06 / Y13 / N10)
8-minute walk from Exits 1 and 2 of Korakuen Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Namboku Lines (M22 / N11)
East Gate:
5-minute walk from the West Exit of Suidobashi Station on the JR Sobu Line (JB17)
6-minute walk from Exit 2 of Korakuen Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Namboku Lines (M22 / N11)
8-minute walk from Exit A2 of Suidobashi Station on the Toei Mita Line (I11)
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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