Photo by melissakartini
For a detailed overview about Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens:
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Hey, everyone! I know I missed out on my usual Saturday post this month on the 7th, but there’s a reason for that. I got a little busy, and then got involved in an accident that I will elaborate on in a later post. For now, I’d like to share my experience at Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens, and show how it looks like during peak Autumn viewing season. 🙂
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This is not a well-known fact, but I actually enjoy visiting gardens. I especially have a fondness for Japanese ones because there’s always something to look forward to, you know? With each season that surfaces, there are different flowers that bloom.
For instance, here in Japan, we see hydrangeas as a part of Summer. Plum blossoms somewhere around Winter; cluster amaryllis in Autumn; and wisterias and, of course, cherry blossoms in Spring.
Thus, Japanese gardens tend to be attractive throughout the year. It’s crazy, but I actually have a list of flowers and gardens I’d like to see for each season!
But I digress.
Photos by melissakartini
Can you believe that the photos above are 100% unfiltered? I have done exactly zero edits on them, yet that was exactly what I was greeted with at the entrance of Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens during the Autumn viewing peak season.
I remember that I had gone during a weekday morning, right before school. Even then, there were long lines of people waiting to get in. I can’t imagine what it must be like during a weekend.
Thankfully, though, the Autumn rush of tourists is nothing like the hype of cherry blossom season. Thank God.
Photo by melissakartini
The first thing I saw when I entered the garden was a huge pond, with Tokyo Dome poking out in the background. It was said that back in those days, boating was enjoyed here. Honestly, pictures are unable to do this view any justice, because whenever I tried to get a better shot, it just didn’t look interesting.
Maybe that’s a sign that my photography skills need a lot more work, haha.
That aside, for this portion of this circuit-style garden (meaning that it is divided into different sections), the main attraction is the pond, because the other sights, while nice, didn’t stand out as much.
Photo by melissakartini
Photo by melissakartini
The second of all the big attractions that I saw was Engetsu-kyo (Full Moon Bridge). Slightly hidden away and unassuming, I almost passed this construction by without properly checking it out–until I saw that people were, for some reason, crowding to take pictures of the bridge and the surface of the water.
Upon further inspection, I realised that it was because the bridge creates a perfect full moon shape with its reflection in the water. Hence its name.
That was interesting!
Photos by melissakartini
Next up were attractions that were unfortunately not in season. So if you’re looking forward to seeing plum blossoms, water lilies and the paddy field, then you’ll have to come by another time. The end of November really isn’t your best bet.
That said, Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens proved that you don’t need loads of flowers to make a garden beautiful.
The Autumnal tints of red, gold and orange were more than enough.
Photo by melissakartini
Breathtaking!
I don’t know what it is about Japanese gardens, but it seems like a lot of thought is put into them. Because whenever I visit one, no matter what angle I look at them at, the details are always amazing.
I’m always mesmerised by the beauty offered, and could feel at peace thanks to the tranquility.
Photo by melissakartini
It seems as though a lot of people seem to think so too, because I spied a lot touting around heavy, professional-looking cameras.
(Not pictured in these photos were the hordes of people waiting for their turn to take a picture.)
Photo by melissakartini
That, and there were loads of Japanese couples happily soaking in the atmosphere.
After visiting several gardens in Tokyo, I have come to the conclusion that gardens are popular dating spots for Japanese couples. And honestly, who can blame them?
The gardens are quiet, clean and beautiful.
Photo by melissakartini
Photo by melissakartini
Photo by melissakartini
Photo by melissakartini
There were times when I felt as though I had just stepped into a storybook. The landscapes are extremely reminiscent to the ones you’d picture in fairy-tales.
I know I’d shot all of these photos myself, but they look more like paintings to me. My favourite one is the last one pictured above.
It’s just surreal how beautiful Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens is.
Photo by melissakartini
Photo by melissakartini
Don’t worry. We’re almost at the end of the post now.
I just couldn’t resist taking some last minute photos before schlepping off to school. Luckily, the garden is just a few stations away from my school, so I could chance a few more minutes of picture-taking.
Here are the last couple of shots I took before exiting the premises.
Photo by melissakartini
Tokujin-do, the oldest architectural structure in the garden, maintained in its original shape. This was quite popular with the tourists, because whenever I passed by this area, there were always loads of people crowding it.
I didn’t even get the chance to photograph it on its own. Oh well.
Photo by melissakartini
Seiko-no-tsutsumi, made in resemblance of the bank of Lake Seiko (Xi Hu) in Hangzhou (Zhejiang), China. Apparently, it influenced daimyo gardens throughout the country after its construction.
Hidden just behind those trees is a teahouse for visitors to take a rest at.
Photos by melissakartini
As a parting gift, pictured above are the reasons people flock to Japan during Autumn. Many people had told me that Japan is beautiful during Autumn, and I wasn’t disappointed. If anything, the sights that the country offered went beyond my expectations. I didn’t know there could be so many colours in Autumn! Now I can’t wait to check out the rest of Japan when Autumn comes by again.
If you happen to be in Tokyo in late November or early December and love gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens is definitely one of the best places to do some Autumn viewing.
Photo by melissakartini
Well, Rikugien Gardens and Mount Takao as well, but those are posts for another day. 🙂
Entrance details
- Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Entry closed at 4:30 p.m.)
- Closed: Year-end holidays (29th December to 1st January)
- Individual admission fee: 300 yen (General), 150 yen (65 or over)
- Group (20 or more) admission fee: 240 yen (General), 120 yen (65 or over)
- Free admission days: Green Day (4th May); Tokyo Citizen’s Day (1st October)
- Contact: 03-3811-3015
thanks for the great article, keep up the good work