Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

Frommer's Review

Constructed in the 17th century by a member of the Tokugawa clan with the assistance of a Chinese scholar refugee, this lovely, circular-pathed garden once spread over 25 hectares (63 acres) but has been whittled away by urbanization to only 6 hectares (16 acres); surrounding buildings (especially Tokyo Dome) are eyesores. Still, this remains Tokyo's oldest and one of its most celebrated stroll gardens, known for its miniature replicas of famous scenic spots in Japan and China. With its bridges, maple and pine groves, wisteria, ponds, flowering shrubs and trees, and other feasts for the eyes, little wonder it's been designated an Outstanding Scenic Place of Historical Importance. Indeed, the name Korakuen translates as "a pleasure afterward," reference to a Chinese poem with the verse "Be the first to take the world's trouble to heart, be the last to enjoy the world's pleasure." Not as well known as Hama Rikyu, it's also less crowded; a stroll should take a half-hour.

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