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Koishikawa Botanical Garden: A Tranquil Escape in Tokyo

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Discover tranquility in Tokyo's oldest botanical garden, home to 4,000 plant species and a serene Japanese landscape.

Escape the bustling city in the serene Koishikawa Botanical Garden, a 16-hectare oasis owned by the University of Tokyo. Established in 1684 as a medicinal herb garden, it now showcases around 4,000 plant species and a traditional Japanese landscape, offering a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into Japan's botanical history.

A brief summary to Koishikawa Botanical Garden

  • 3 Chome-7-1 Hakusan, Bunkyo City, 3 Chome Hakusan, Tokyo, 112-0001, JP
  • Click to display
  • Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the spring cherry blossom season or autumn to witness the garden's most vibrant displays.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the garden is extensive and requires a good amount of walking.
  • Check the garden's website for seasonal bloom updates and special events.
  • Bring a map to navigate the diverse plant collections and features within the garden.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Koishikawa Botanical Garden is accessible via the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. From Tokyo Station, take the Mita Line to Hakusan Station (approx. 15 minutes, 220 JPY). From Hakusan Station [Exit A1], it's a 10-minute walk to the garden's main entrance. Alternatively, take the Marunouchi Subway Line to Myogadani Station [Exit 1], followed by a 15-minute walk.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Tokyo. A taxi from Tokyo Station to the Koishikawa Botanical Garden will cost approximately 2,500-3,500 JPY, depending on traffic conditions. The journey typically takes 20-30 minutes. Ask the driver to take you to the "Koishikawa Botanical Garden Admission Ticket Office" to ensure you arrive at the correct entrance.

  • Walking

    From Hakusan Station [Exit A1], walk straight and follow the signs for Koishikawa Botanical Garden. The path is well-marked and takes about 10 minutes. From Myogadani Station [Exit 1], turn right onto Kasuga-dori Street, then cross at the traffic lights. Continue straight, off Kasuga-dori Street, for about 400m. Turn right at the Hakusan 3-Chome intersection, then left at the Shokubutsu-en Mae intersection. The entrance is 110m on the left.

Discover more about Koishikawa Botanical Garden

The Koishikawa Botanical Garden, formally known as Koishikawa Shokubutsuen, offers a serene escape in the heart of Tokyo. Operated by the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Science, this 16-hectare (40-acre) garden was established in 1684, originally as a medicinal herb garden by the Tokugawa Shogunate. It is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Japan and a significant site for botanical research. The garden showcases approximately 4,000 plant species, including 1,400 hardy woody species, 1,500 hardy herbaceous species, and 1,100 tropical plants. Many plants originate from Japan, Korea, and China. Visitors can explore diverse collections, including camellias, maples, bonsai trees, plum trees, and alpine plants. The garden also features a beautiful Japanese landscape garden with winding paths, ponds, and traditional elements. Koishikawa Botanical Garden is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing, offering a less crowded alternative to other hanami locations. In autumn, the vibrant red Japanese maple trees attract visitors. The garden also houses a herbarium with 1.4 million specimens and a library with 20,000 books and journals. The Koishikawa Yojosho clinic was founded in 1722 to provide medical care to the lower classes. Today, research focuses on plant evolution, systematics, and physiology. The garden is designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty and a Historic Site.

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