This garden is the most undiscovered jewel in Tokyo, and a stroll around its serene pond is calming at any time of year. Designed as a green oasis, there are still a few floral surprises hidden away. If you venture into the back garden in May, that’s where they keep the irises tucked away…
This is my go-to garden for soul-restoring serenity, and one of Tokyo’s best-kept secrets. Kiyosumi Teien Garden doesn’t put on many flower displays, but a walk around the giant greenery-cloaked pond dishes up perfect Japanese vistas at every turn. Plus, it’s never crowded! Even during the busiest (and hottest) seasons, you feel like you can take your time and breathe.
The path meanders over bridges galore…
and even over one that leads to a small island, with a garden-sized Mt. Fuji in the background.
I can’t help but marvel at the years of meticulous pruning…
Whether you come to see the ducks bobbing alongside the willows leafing out in early spring…
or visit in August, when the herons are courting…
this garden has the best steppingstones in Tokyo…
and we might even meet a new friend! These rare and surprisingly large suppon turtles are living their best life in the Kiyosumi Teien pond, safe from the coveteous eyes of Tokyo chefs.
This garden isn’t huge and sprawling, but there are delightful hidden nooks…
…and a world-class collection of carved stone water basins.
It’s welcoming even in
February
when the plums and camellias bloom…
and there’s a delightful surprise of an iris garden in
May
if you venture into the hidden nook of a garden behind the teahouse.
Autumn doesn’t bring an overwhelming leaf extravaganza…
but the golden gingko and red Japanese maple trees look all the more spectacular against a background of green in
November
Kiyosumi Teien
Hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (last admission 16:30)
Open: Every day except 12/29-1/3
Admission: ¥150
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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 