Koshikawa Koraku-en garden is absolutely beautiful in every season. It’s most famous for its iris garden in late May to early June, but it’s also grand in February for the plum blossoms, late March to mid-April for the cherries, late April to early May for the wisteria, and for its autumn leaves in November.
This is my favorite garden in Tokyo. It was built in 1629 by Tokugawa Ieyasu’s son, and has only improved with every passing year. Designed around a large central pond, you’ll definitely forget you’re in the middle of the world’s biggest city in the shadow of the Tokyo Dome stadium…
…because there are beautiful intimate landscapes around every corner. It’s big enough to spend an hour meandering through the glades and is especially known for its oh-so-Japanese bridges. This mossy beauty is one of the first ones you cross…
and if you pause mid-span to gaze at the other end of the pond, this gorgeous orange lacquered bridge is your next destination!
There’s an epic stone moon bridge right over the hill…
and the landscape that unfolds beyond offers a cool respite, even in the summer heat.
This garden has special beauty in every season, with all the flowers made famous by haiku taking their turns.
Blooming plum trees in February are a sure sign it’ll snow again, at least once
During cherry blossom season in late March to early April, the specimen trees at Korakuen are breathtaking…
and strolling beneath the bowers of pink is a treat.
Peonies bloom outside the thatch-roofed teahouse in April…
as the long wisteria arbors flower into May.
Oh, and iris. Did I mention Japanese iris?
The iris fields bloom in all their wild variety from late May to early June.
The waterlily pond blooms in July, but it’s an oasis of green all year long
The small but exquisite lotus pond also blooms in July.
Mid-September brings out the red solstice lilies called higanbana.
And autumn leaf season in November is spectacular.
Between December and March it might snow if you’re lucky. Get on a train to Koraku-en as soon as the flakes begin to stick – you won’t be disappointed!
Koshikawa Koraku-en
Hours: 9:00 – 17:00
Open: Every day
Admission: ¥300
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly e-magazine Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
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And here are the other places I take my friends when they come to town
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly e-magazine Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
Jonelle Patrick writes about Japan 