Koraku-en Area

GrassyBridge — Koraku-en garden never disappoints.

Stroll in a 17th century Japanese garden, cheer with the world’s craziest baseball fans, or ride a roller coaster that goes straight through a Tokyo skyscraper.

Let’s start at Koshikawa Koraku-en garden, an oasis right in the middle of Tokyo that’s so serene, it always makes me forget I’m in the middle of the world’s largest city. It’s my favorite garden in Tokyo, because it’s like a string of pearls – the path takes you through a series of smaller gardens, each a picturesque view in itself. Also, I’m a sucker for bridges and Korakuen has a lot of them!

OrangeBridge — I have tons of pictures of this orange lacquer bridge, because it’s so beautiful in every season.

Especially good times to go to Koraku-en are:

KorakuenPlum — February is plum blossom season, and the ancient plum trees bloom at different times, so you’re sure to see one in full bloom.

Wisteria — The wisteria arbors bloom in May.

Oh, and iris. Did I mention Japanese iris? They bloom in early June.

KorakuenFall — Autumn leaf season in November is spectacular.

Hours: 9:00 – 17:00

Open: Every day except 12/29-1/3

Admission: ¥300

MAP

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If baseball is more your sport, go see the Yomiuri Giants play at the Tokyo Dome. The fans are almost as fun to watch as the game. — After the garden let’s go see the Yomiuri Giants play at the Tokyo Dome. The fans are almost as fun to watch as the game. Their schedule is here.

And we shouldn't resist getting on the roller coaster at Tokyo Dome City, for a speedy view of Tokyo. — And we shouldn’t resist getting on the roller coaster at Tokyo Dome City, for a speedy view of Tokyo.

From mid-November until February, the Tokyo Dome amusement complex is lit up with gorgeous animated illuminations displays at night, and you don’t need a ticket to enjoy them

Every fountain and feature is lit up with color-changing displays, set to music…

…including this Wonka-esque tunnel of strobing colors

KORAKUEN AREA MAPS

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Jonelle Patrick is the author of five novels set in Japan

For three hundred years, a missing tea bowl passes from one fortune-seeker to the next, changing the lives of all who possess it…**read more**

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The Last Tea Bowl Thief was chosen as an Editor’s Pick for Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense on Amazon

“A fascinating mix of history and mystery.” —Booklist

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