Koshikawa Koraku-en Garden

You’ll forget you’re in the middle of the world’s biggest city

This is my favorite garden in Tokyo.

It’s organized around a large central pond…

…but there’s a more intimate landscape 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 come to

And if you look to the other end of the pond, this!

There’s an epic stone moon bridge right over the hill

The waterlily pond blooms in July, but it’s an oasis of green all year long

And it’s lovely in every season, with all the flowers made famous by haiku taking their turns.

PlumCross — Blooming plum trees are a sure sign it’ll snow again, at least once

During cherry blossom season, the specimen trees at Korakuen are breathtaking

Wisteria — The wisteria arbors bloom in May.

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

The small but exquisite lotus pond blooms in July

Even in August, it offers a cool respite from the summer heat

KorakuenFall — Autumn leaf season in November is spectacular.

In December – March, If you’re lucky, it will snow while you’re in Tokyo. Get on a train to Korakuen as soon as the flakes begin to stick – you won’t be disappointed!

Hours: 9:00 – 17:00

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

Admission: ¥300

MAP

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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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