Former Yasuda Garden, Tokyo Travel Guide

The Former Yasuda Garden, or Kyu-Yasuda Teien, offers a serene escape in the heart of Tokyo's Sumida City. This traditional Japanese garden, located near the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Stadium and the Edo-Tokyo Museum, provides a tranquil oasis for visitors seeking respite from the city's hustle.Originally constructed in the late 17th century as part of a feudal lord's suburban residence, the garden was later acquired by Yasuda Zenjiro, founder of the Yasuda financial group, in 1889. He remodeled the garden, and in 1922, his family donated it to Tokyo City. The garden was opened to the public in 1927 as the Former Yasuda Garden, following reconstruction after the Great Kanto Earthquake.The garden's design centers around a large, heart-shaped pond that was once connected to the Sumida River, with the water level rising and falling with the tides. Today, water pumps simulate this tidal effect. Visitors can stroll along the walking trails surrounding the pond, cross picturesque bridges, and admire the stone lanterns and diverse plant life. The garden also features a shrine dedicated to Samurai Abe. From certain vantage points, the Tokyo Skytree can be seen.The Former Yasuda Garden offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a worthwhile destination for those exploring the Ryogoku area.