Kiyosumi Gardens

Stunning rock and tree garden with a large lake. Late December, 2025. I had a few hours before I had to go to the airport, so I picked a nearby garden to visit on my last day in Japan. I arrived as it opened at 9am and so it was very quiet. The designers used large stones throughout as walkways and stepping stones. As such, parts of the garden are not wheelchair accessible and the stepping stones along the pond do require normal mobility. There was just a touch of autumn’s reds still around, but I imagine the ginkgos would have been brilliant a month ago.

Kiyosima Garden is conveniently close to my home, and I was pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem in Tokyo. The entry fee is just 150 yen for adults, which is very reasonable. The garden is very well maintained and incredibly scenic—I could hardly believe such a peaceful place exists in the city. It’s perfect for spending a long, relaxing time—you can sit, enjoy the view, or even read a book. The garden has many large turtles in the water, and it’s fun to watch their activity. Everything about it feels picturesque and truly mind-blowing. I had a wonderful time there! The garden closes at 5 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM. I recommend spending a good 2 to 3 hours to fully enjoy everything it has to offer.

Amazing gardens tucked away in Tokyo. I highly recommend coming here. The entry fee is minimal, staff are friendly and there is even a stamp rally at the entrance. I could only see two stamps, not too sure if it's seasonal or the others are hidden away. As for the gardens themselves, they are beautiful and well-maintained. When I attended, the pines were receiving a trim. There are various plant species and fauna, like turles, ducks, the odd crane. Overall, a lovely short walk and a beautiful green space in the vast city.

A very very beautiful park smack in the middle of the city. :) It reminded me of New York's Central Park - only more compact and contemplative. Lots of walking paths and, at one point, a rock bridge where you can hop from one rock to another! The storks on the little island were probably my favourite part of the whole experience. If you'd like to visit the cafe, keep in mind that it closes at 4pm and costs 1,300 yen - cash only. (You get a cup of green tea and one small but delicious maroon sweet.) For 150 yen, this park was probably the best deal in the entire city! This has been another enthusiastic review from your Friendly Neighbourhood Nomadic Artist, exploring Japan one landmark at a time. :)

A beautiful, peaceful place. Not too busy and only 150 yen (£0.75) to enter! Lots of great cafes, bars, and street wandering g to do after.

Built by a local businessman years ago for the benefit of his employees and for business meetings, everywhere you turn is picture perfect. Popular with herons, and there are pig nosed turtles in the lake. There is an entry fee, but it's not expensive and well worth visiting.

An Amazing Garden in the Middle of the City: Kiyosumi Garden ​Wow! Kiyosumi Garden is indeed an amazing gem, a tranquil "green lung" in the heart of the bustling city, and you are describing a particularly magical visit. ​Here is a text that reflects your visiting experience: ​An Amazing Garden in the Middle of the City: A Japanese Serenity Experience at Kiyosumi Garden ​In the midst of the big city's hustle and bustle lies a hidden, breathtaking natural gem—Kiyosumi Garden. This is not just a patch of grass, but a traditional Japanese "strolling garden," offering a true escape and a visual and cultural journey all in one. ​Immediately upon entering, the silence takes over. The center of the garden is the large pond, which is the highlight and the focus of life. I stood on the bank and admired the meticulously maintained view: the trees, especially the ancient black pines, were carefully and artistically pruned, setting a perfect green frame for the landscape reflected in the water. ​The pond itself is a whole world teeming with life. Schools of colorful Koi fish, shining in brilliant orange, red, and white, swam beneath the surface like a living painting. The turtles, basking in the sun on the stones or floating logs, gave a sense of a natural and peaceful habitat. And the ducks—what a joy it was to watch them glide calmly, dotting the pond's surface and adding a gentle, pleasant sound to the overall quiet. ​What is particularly fascinating about Kiyosumi are the stepping stones ("Iso-watari"), those carefully placed and cut stones that allow you to hop across the water and traverse parts of the pond almost at water level. This is a classic Japanese design element that connects you directly to nature and the scenery. Treading carefully on the stones offers an intimate touring experience, as if you are walking inside the pond, and provides a unique perspective on the vegetation and the traditional buildings (like the reflective teahouse). ​A stroll through Kiyosumi Garden is a meditative experience. The combination of the flawless care by the Japanese gardeners, who emphasize every branch and stone, and the restrained wildness of nature, creates an exceptional harmony. This is a place to slow down, take a deep breath, and remember that there is beauty and perfection even within the urban chaos. ​If you are looking for a moment of true Japanese serenity, away from the noise and commotion, Kiyosumi Garden is the perfect place to visit. It is an experience of tranquility that refills the soul with renewed energy.

A very beautiful garden. 150 yen to enter, they have a picnic area. I was visiting Fukagawa Edo Musuem and stopped by and glad I did, a nice way to spend about 30-45 minutes strolling in a circle around the lake. Next time I will bring onigiris and tea and relax.