Koishikawa Botanical Garden in Photos
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 some sturdy footwear is necessary. The grass can be high, the trees thick, and the mud can be pretty bad. Some parts remind me of Todoroki Valley in Setagaya.
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 will be working 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 Koishikawa Botanical Garden
- Koishikawa dates from 1684. That’s when the fifth shogun, Tsunayoshi Tokugawan, established its medicinal herb garden.
- Shogun Yoshimune Tokugawa established a hospital there in 1722. It no longer exists, but its water well does.
- The gardens once housed the Tokyo School of Medicine.
- Sir Isaac Newton has ties to the Koishikawa. A graft of the original apple tree from which his apple fell was gifted to the garden. It is still there today.
What do photographers like this park?
- It has excellent plum and cherry blossoms.
- It’s a botanical garden, so flowers and trees abound. The greenhouse displays change regularly.
- It has rare plants and trees. There is a Metasequoia, a fossil tree. Another example is a Ziziphus jujube. It came from China in 1727.
- A graft of Sir Isaac Newton’s apple tree.
- The old Tokyo School of Medicine building.
What is my favorite flower at Koishikawa Botanical Gardens?
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 can be found in the park’s center. The colors are so stunning and vibrant. Spring is incredible at Koishikawa Botanical Gardens.
General tips
- There are many flowers, so pack your macro lens.
- Tripods are okay.
- Some areas of the park become muddy after heavy rain. Be careful.
- Take your mosquito repellant in the warmer months.
Where is Koishikawa Botanical Garden?
Address: 3-7-1 Hakusan, Bunkyo City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train station:
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
- Park: from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. You can enter up to thirty minutes before closing time.
- Greenhouse: 10 AM to 3 PM
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
Other photo spots near Koishikawa Botanical Gardens
- Bunkyo Civic Center
- Gokokuji (temple)
- Rikugien (Edo-period park)
- St. Mary’s Cathedral (Catholic church).
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 Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and okonomiyaki. His camera will capture the entire city one day.
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External related websites:
- Koishikawa Botanical Gardens (official website)