Japan is, rightfully so, very proud of their gardens, and they are magnificent. The gardens I visited on my last trip have elements of both Japanese and Chinese gardens and are one of the few sites that has a double designation, both as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Special Historic Site as recognized by Japan’s Cultural Assets Preservation Act.
Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens was originally built by the founder of the Mito branch of Tokugawa clan, Yorifusa, as a residence in 1629. It was completed as a garden during the reign of Mitsukuni. Mitsukuni invited Zhu Zhiyu, a retainer of the Min Dynasty in China, to advise him on the gardens development. The result was a garden full of Chinese tastes.
Of the many highlights, the Inada (Rice Paddy Field) made by Mitsukuni for teaching the hardship of farmers to the wife of his heir, Tsuenaeda. School children still participate in the planting of the rice in May and in the harvesting in September. If you visit in June, you will see 600 stocks of Japanese Irises in full bloom and it’s spectacular. But have no fear, no matter what time of year you visit there will be something in bloom . In late March, the grand 60 year old Shidare-Zakura (Weeping Cherry) blooms.
The Entsu-Kyo (Full Moon Bridge) was given it’s name because of the reflection of the bridge on the water’s surface that resembles a full moon.
The Koishikawa Koraakuen Gardens is located near the Tokyo Dome, 3 minutes by foot of Lidabashi Metro Station in Tokyo. Admission price for the gardens is an absolute bargain at 300 Yen, less than $3 US before discounts. Of all the gardens I’ve seen to date in Japan, this is my favorite.
