Kiyosumi Gardens
Kiyosumi Gardens (清澄庭園, Kiyosumi Teien) is a masterful example of a Meiji-period “stroll garden,” situated in Koto Ward just east of the Sumida River. Originally the site of a mansion belonging to a wealthy Edo-period merchant, the grounds took their modern shape in 1878 when Iwasaki Yataro, the founder of the Mitsubishi conglomerate, purchased the land. Iwasaki’s vision was to create a refined retreat not only for his employees but as a grand stage to entertain domestic and international dignitaries, eventually opening as Fukagawa Shinbokuen in 1880.
A Landscape of Water and Stone
The garden is celebrated for its kaiyu-shiki (circuit style) design, where a winding path circles a massive central pond. What truly sets Kiyosumi apart from other Tokyo gardens, however, is its extraordinary collection of Suseki—massive landscape stones brought from across Japan on Mitsubishi steamships. These stones serve as more than mere decoration; they form the famous isowatari (stepping-stone paths) that allow visitors to “walk on water” along the pond’s edge. Each stone was carefully selected for its shape and origin, creating a rugged, geological beauty that contrasts with the soft reflections of the surrounding pines and cherry trees.
Following the devastation of the Great Kanto Earthquake, the gardens provided a vital “lull” and sanctuary for thousands of residents. In 1932, the Iwasaki family donated the restored grounds to the City of Tokyo. A prominent feature remains the Ryotei, a delicate sukiya-style tea house that appears to float on the water. Built in 1909 to host Field Marshal Kitchener, it remains one of the few structures to survive the fires of the Second World War. Today, the garden is a designated “Place of Scenic Beauty,” offering seasonal highlights ranging from vibrant azaleas in May to a dedicated iris garden that blooms in June, all set against a backdrop of meticulously maintained black pines.
| Visitor Information | |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-3-9 Kiyosumi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0024 (Google Maps) |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Entry until 4:30 PM) Closed: Dec 29 – Jan 1 |
| Price | ¥150 (General), ¥70 (65 and over) |
| Website | Visit Website |
| Access | ||
|---|---|---|
| Station | Line(s) | Access Details |
| Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station | Toei Oedo Line, Hanzomon Line | 3-minute walk from Exit A3 |