Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens in Photos
Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens is another Tokyo photo spot I adore. This park has a little of everything – a beautiful pond, history, bridges, flowers, and even a temple. Birdwatchers love it too. Some might say it is perfect. Well, if it’s not, it must be close.
Let’s start with the park’s centerpiece, a pond. Most Edo-period parks in Tokyo have one. Its name is Daisensui. Paths wend and wind around it. With each turn, you get a different perspective. Your eyes will be busy taking everything in.
You’ll see much as you walk through the grounds. There are replicas of famous historical landmarks in Japan and China. The builders made miniature copies of mountains and rivers. They even built a temple featured in a Chinese classical text. Koishikawa Korakuen has many surprises.
Koishikawa is a park of seasons. Each has something worth photographing. Throughout the year, different flowers and trees will add to the beauty.
So it gets very high marks. A perfect 10? I don’t know about that, but it comes close. You are the final judge.
A Brief History of the Park
Yorifusa Tokugawa began building Koishikawa Kōrakuen in 1629, but it was up to his son Mitsukuni to complete it. For the last phase of the work, he employed the Chinese scholar Shu Shunsui as his advisor.
The park’s name came from a poem. It encouraged rulers to look after their subjects first and then themselves. I wonder how things worked out for the Tokugawas?
Photography at Koishikawa Korakuen
I don’t know where to start! There is so much. You would need many hours to shoot everything. Two amazing bridges are at the top of the list. Let’s look at it:
- The vermillion-colored, Tsuten-Kyo bridge is gorgeous in autumn. It stretches across a ravine deep in trees. Photographing it can be hard due to shadows.
- Engetsu-Kyo (Full Moon Bridge) is special because it’s the original. It is a stone drum type that goes over a stream. Look at its reflection in the water and you will see the moon!
- Historic buildings have either been rebuilt or are the remains (usually a few blocks). The most interesting one is Tokujin-do (a temple). Unfortunately, it is closed.
- Miniature replicas of famous places from around Japan. My favorite is “Atagozaka” (“Slopes of Mt. Atago”), an imitation of the Kyoto mountain. Underneath is a rice field. It is picturesque.
- Tokyo Dome is next to the park. You can see it over the trees. The screams of the rollercoaster riders can be heard in the park!
- The island in the middle of the main pond is home to some kingfishers.
- Many flowers. It is famous for plum blossoms (2025 photos here) and cherry blossoms. There are also hydrangeas, Japanese irises, and autumn leaves!
Photo spots in the area
- Bunkyo Civic Hall (one of my favorite observatories)
- Koishikawa Botanical Gardens (doubles as a research facility)
- Tokyo Dome (baseball stadium with an amusement park next to it)
- Ushi-Tenjin Kitano Shrine (famous for plum blossoms)
When is the best time to go?
Every season at Koishikawa Korakuen is excellent. In early summer, it is famous for its huge Japanese Iris field. I try to photograph it every year.
Spring is a crowd favorite with its plum and cherry blossoms. But don’t forget autumn with its marvelous red and gold leaves. Which one would you choose?
Where are Kyu-Furukawa Gardens?
Address: 1-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest JR train stations:
JR Iidabashi and Suidobashi. Both are served by the Chuo-Sobu Lines.
Closest Metro (subway) stations:
- Iidabshi (same as the above JR station) – served by the Tokyo Metro Tōzai, Yūrakuchō, and Namboku lines. The Toei Ōedo line goes there. Exit C3 is closest to the park.
- Korakuen – served by the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Namboku lines.
Opening hours
- 9 AM to 5 PM
- It is closed from December 29 to January 1.
Admission costs
¥300.
Conclusion
Did I miss anything? I hope not, but Koishikawa Korakuen is a huge place. It has so much for photographers. Anyway, I’m sure I covered most of it. If you had to choose one park to visit in Tokyo, you couldn’t go wrong with this one. It has something for everyone and every season. Leave questions and comments below.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
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External related websites:
- Koishikawa Korakuen (official website)