Kiyosumi Gardens: A Tranquil Oasis in Tokyo
Escape the city bustle in this tranquil strolling garden featuring meticulously arranged stones, a serene pond, and a rich history dating back to the Edo period.
Kiyosumi Gardens, or Kiyosumi Teien, is a classic example of a Japanese strolling garden in the heart of Tokyo. The garden's history dates back to the Edo period when it was the residence of a merchant named Kinokuniya Bunzaemon. Later, it became the Edo residence of feudal lord Kuze Yamatonokami, who constructed his mansion there in 1721, establishing the garden's basic form. In 1878, Iwasaki Yatarō, the founder of Mitsubishi, acquired the land and rebuilt the garden to entertain guests and provide a recreational space for his employees. Stones were sourced from all over Japan and transported to Tokyo via steamship. The garden opened in 1880 and was donated to Tokyo City in 1932, opening to the public after undergoing repairs. The garden centers around a large pond with three islands, connected by a bridge. Visitors can cross the pond using 'iso-watari' stepping stones to observe fish and turtles. A teahouse-style building, the Ryotei, appears to float on the water. The Taisho Kinenkan, a memorial hall of Emperor Taisho, is located near the entrance and is used for events. Kiyosumi Gardens served as a refuge for citizens during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the bombings of World War II. Today, it offers a tranquil escape with seasonal flowers, diverse bird species, and black pines surrounding the pond.
Local tips
- Visit during spring or autumn for the most picturesque experience, when the garden's flora is at its most vibrant.
- Take a stroll across the 'isowatari' stepping stone paths to see fish and turtles swimming beneath the surface.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo or the Fukagawa Edo Museum.
A brief summary to Kiyosumi Gardens
- 3 Chome-3-9 Kiyosumi, Koto City, 3 Chome Kiyosumi, Tokyo, 135-0024, JP
- +813-3641-5892
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
The garden is a short 3-minute walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station, which is served by the Hanzomon and Oedo subway lines. From Shinjuku Station, take the Oedo Subway Line directly to Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station. The one-way trip takes about 25 minutes and costs 280 yen. From Tokyo Station, take the Marunouchi Subway Line to Otemachi Station, then transfer to the Hanzomon Line to Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station. This route takes about 10 minutes and costs 180 yen.
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Walking
From Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station (Exit A3), walk south for approximately 3 minutes to reach the garden entrance. The path is well-marked and easy to navigate.
