Kiyosumi Garden is the Edo-period stroll garden in east Tokyo’s Koto ward, built by the Iwasaki family (founders of Mitsubishi) and donated to Tokyo in 1924. Three central ponds with stepping stones, a 200-year pine tree, hand-quarried stones brought from across Japan. ¥150 entry, almost no foreign visitors.
What to Expect
The 8-hectare garden runs around three connected ponds. Walk the perimeter (60 min), or take the iconic iso-watari stepping-stone path across the central pond (each stone is a different hand-quarried Japanese rock, all donated by Iwasaki). The 200-year pine on the western bank is the photo. Allow 60-90 min minimum.
How to Get There
Getting There
From Tokyo Station
- 1Take Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line → Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station
- 2Walk to garden → Kiyosumi Garden
Tips
- Walk the stepping stones. Slow, slightly precarious; take your time, locals do.
- Iris festival mid-June. 6,000 iris plants peak around Father’s Day; less crowded than other Tokyo gardens.
- Combine with Fukagawa Edo Museum. 5 min walk; Edo garden + Edo museum half-day.
FAQ
Why so few visitors?
East Tokyo is residential; tour groups stick to Asakusa and central Tokyo. Locals consider this their best-kept-secret garden.
How long?
60 min minimum for the loop. 90 if you sit by the pond. Add 90 min for Fukagawa Edo Museum next door.
