Kiyosumi Garden is a traditional Japanese stroll garden located in Fukagawa, Tokyo. It is a popular destination for those who want to experience the beauty and tranquility of Japanese gardens while in Tokyo.
The garden is known for its natural beauty and historical significance, it was originally the residence of an Edo era merchant and was eventually transformed into a public garden in 1932.
It was constructed along classic principles of Japanese garden design, which emphasize the harmony between nature and human intervention.
As you stroll through the garden you can admire its various features, including a large pond, a tea house, and several stone lanterns.
Key Takeaways
- Kiyosumi Garden is a traditional Japanese stroll garden located in Fukagawa, Tokyo.
- Make sure to step across the stones in the pond
- The entrance fee is 150 yen or 70 for Children
- Originally the residence of an Edo-era merchant
- Features include a large pond, a tea house, and several stone lanterns.
- The garden is open year-round.
History
Kiyosumi Garden, also known as Kiyosumi Teien, is a beautiful Japanese garden located in Tokyo, Japan. It was constructed during the Meiji Period from 1878 to 1885 by Iwasaki Yatarō, a shipping financier and industrialist. The garden was built on the site of the former residence of an Edo era merchant.
The garden originally covered an area of about 81,000 square meters, but it was later reduced to its current size of about 33,000 square meters. The garden is designed in the Meiji style, which emphasizes natural beauty and simplicity. It features a central pond, several walking paths, and plants and trees.
During World War II, the garden was damaged by bombing, but it was later restored to its original beauty. In 1932, the garden was opened to the public and has since become a popular destination for Both Tokyoites and out-of-towners.
Today, Kiyosumi Garden is designated as a “Selected Historical Building of Tokyo Metropolitan Government” and is considered one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in Tokyo. It should be on your to-do list for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history.
Features
Kiyosumi lets you explore the serene and tranquil atmosphere that makes it a perfect place to relax and unwind. Here are some of the notable features of Kiyosumi Garden:
- Pond: The pond in the center of the garden is one of its most striking features. It has three islands, one of which is connected by a bridge. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the pond and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Stone Collection: Kiyosumi Garden has an impressive collection of stones, including a stone monument of Basho’s Haiku. The stone monument is a notable feature of the garden and is a must-see for visitors.
- Footpaths: The garden features footpaths that take visitors on a walk through the waterscape. These footpaths were designed to provide visitors with a unique perspective on the garden’s beauty.
- Miniature Mt. Fuji: One interesting feature of Kiyosumi Garden is a miniature version of Mt. Fuji. This feature is particularly beautiful during azalea season in May.
- Tea House: The garden has a traditional tea house where you can enjoy a cup of tea while taking in the beautiful scenery. It is a perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
Overall, Kiyosumi Garden should be on your to-do list for anyone traveling to Tokyo. Its beautiful scenery and serene atmosphere make it a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You explore the garden at your own pace and take in all of its unique features.
Seasonal Changes
Kiyosumi Garden is a beautiful place to visit throughout the year as it offers different experiences and sights depending on the season. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during each season:
Spring
Spring is a popular time to visit Kiyosumi Garden as it is when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Visitors can enjoy a picturesque view of the cherry blossom trees and take part in hanami (cherry blossom viewing) with the locals. The garden also features other flowers such as azaleas and wisteria that bloom in spring.
Summer
Summer in Kiyosumi Garden is a time to enjoy the lush greenery and the sound of the water flowing through the garden. Visitors can explore the various ponds and streams, and admire the lotus flowers that bloom in the garden during this season.
Fall
Autumn is another popular time to visit Kiyosumi Garden as the leaves of the maple trees turn into a vibrant shade of red and yellow. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the garden while admiring the beautiful autumn foliage.
Winter
Winter is the quietest season in Kiyosumi Garden, but it still offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the garden’s evergreen trees and the snow-covered landscape, which is a rare sight in Tokyo.
Opening Hours and Admission Fees
The garden is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the last entry at 4:30 p.m. The garden is closed from December 29 to January 1. Admission fees for adults are 150 yen and 70 yen for children aged 12 and under.
Getting There
Kiyosumi Garden is easily accessible by public transportation. The garden is a short walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station on the Hanzomon and Oedo subway lines.
You can also take the Marunouchi Subway Line to Tokyo Station and transfer to the Hanzomon Line to get to Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station.
Facilities
The garden has several facilities to make your visit more enjoyable. These include:
- Kiyosumi Gardens Service Center – a tourist information center that provides information about the garden and the surrounding area.
- Tea House – a traditional Japanese tea house where you can enjoy tea and sweets while taking in the beautiful scenery.
- Restrooms – there are restrooms located throughout the garden.
- Benches – there are benches located throughout the garden where you can sit and relax.
Visitor Information
| Information Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Kiyosumi Garden (清澄庭園) |
| Address | 3-3-9 Kiyosumi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0024, Japan |
| Ticket Cost | Adults: 150 JPY, Seniors (65+): 70 JPY, Children (under 12): Free |
| Opening Times | 9:00 – 17:00 (last entry at 16:30); Closed on December 29 – January 1 |
| Nearby Hotels | |
| Luxury | Hotel East 21 Tokyo – 1.3 km, |
| Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo Seafort – 2.2 km, | |
| Mid-range | Comfort Hotel Tokyo Kiyosumi Shirakawa – 0.8 km, |
| Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nihombashi Kayabacho – 1.7 km, | |
| Budget | APA Hotel Tokyo Kiba – 1.1 km, |
| Flexstay Inn Kiyosumi Shirakawa – 0.8 km, |
Things To Do Nearby
- Fukagawa Edo Museum: Just 1 km away, this museum provides an immersive experience of Edo-period life with a replica of a traditional town.
- Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine: About 1.5 km from Kiyosumi Garden, this historic Shinto shrine is famous for its sumo wrestling history and the Yokozuna Stone.
- Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo: 2 km away, this museum showcases modern and contemporary art from Japanese and international artists.
- Kameido Tenjin Shrine: Known for its beautiful wisteria flowers, this shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of scholarship, and is just 2.5 km away.
