Koishikawa Botanical Garden is another of Tokyo’s lesser-known parks. The University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Science operates it. So, even though it is open to the public, it is a place for serious academic research and botanical work. That makes it perfect for flower photography. Let’s explore it.
Some people like to visit the country for flowers. But if you don’t have the time to do that, Koishikawa is the place to go. You might think you’re hiking in some of its forest-like areas. There are so many trees.
Well, that’s a slight exaggeration. But, there will be moments when you might feel sturdy footwear is necessary. The grass can be high, the trees thick, and the mud can be bad. Some parts remind me of Setagaya’s Todoroki Valley.
Other areas are farm-like in appearance. Trees are lined up like they are ready for harvest. Under them, people are curled up asleep. Some might even have a book next to them. A short distance away, students work on a project.
The gardens are also home to the former headquarters of the Tokyo School of Medicine. You can’t enter the building, but you can enjoy the area around it. There is a lawn with paths, a pond with carp and turtles, benches, azaleas, and pergolas. Flower photographers should be excited about this place, especially in spring.
As the University of Tokyo runs the garden, it has a greenhouse. The original one was demolished in the late 2000s. This new building is magnificent, with lots of glass, and is very modern.
A brief history of the garden
Why do photographers like this park?
Actually, I have two. One is the Prunus Incisa, a type of cherry blossom. It is known as the Fuji cherry because it is abundant around Mount Fuji. These can be pink but eventually fade to white.
The other is Rhododendron dilatatum Miq., an azalea native to Japan. Guess what? It is pink too! Both of these flowers are in the park’s center. The colors are stunning and vibrant. Spring is incredible at Koishikawa Botanical Gardens.
General photography tips
Where is Koishikawa Botanical Garden?
Address: 3-7-1 Hakusan, Bunkyo City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Train access
Hakusan on the Toei Mita Line. The park is a ten-minute walk from Exit A1.
Car parking
There is none, but a bicycle park is next to the main gate.
Opening hours
The park is closed every Monday, but open if it is a public holiday (and then closed the following day).
It is also closed from December 29 to January 3 (for the New Year holiday).
Admission costs
¥500
Conclusion
Koishikawa Botanical Garden has no nearby skyscrapers like Shinjuku Gyoen. Nor is there an Edo-period central pond with scenic elements like Koishikawa Korakuen. There are no stunning vistas.
This park is about flowers and trees. There are lots of those. That is why photographers go there. Of course, there are the bugs, turtles, and carp too. Koishikawa is a great Tokyo photo spot.
If you enjoy flower or macro photography, I recommend this garden. And as a bonus, you can use tripods. Parks that allow those are rare in Tokyo. Please leave questions and comments below.
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
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