Kiyosumi Gardens Tokyo
A classic 19th-century Japanese stroll garden in Tokyo, featuring a pond, stepping stones, and a tea house, offering a serene escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak azalea season
Kiyosumi Gardens Tokyo
Best Time
Peak azalea season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A classic 19th-century Japanese stroll garden in Tokyo, featuring a pond, stepping stones, and a tea house, offering a serene escape.
"Tokyo's gardens are sanctuaries; escape to this peaceful haven."
🎯 Check Azalea Bloom Status
Use Google Maps' recent photos or sakura tracking sites to verify azalea bloom status before your visit.
☕ Nearby Cafes & Shops
Explore charming cafes and shops around Kiyosumi, with Allpress Espresso being a popular stop.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Azalea Blooms
Throughout the garden
Witness over 100 varieties of azaleas painting the garden in vibrant colors during spring.
Stepping Stone Path
Across the pond
Navigate the iconic pond by hopping across large stepping stones, a classic Japanese garden feature.
Traditional Tea House
Near the pond
A picturesque spot offering a glimpse into traditional Japanese aesthetics and garden design.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Azaleas
Escape the Bustle
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Azalea Bloom Status
Use Google Maps' recent photos or sakura tracking sites to verify azalea bloom status before your visit. +1
☕ Nearby Cafes & Shops
Explore charming cafes and shops around Kiyosumi, with Allpress Espresso being a popular stop.
🏛️ Combine with Art Museum
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, conveniently located nearby.
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Tranquility
Embrace the peaceful atmosphere; it's a perfect sanctuary from Tokyo's hustle.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Azalea Bloom Status
Use Google Maps' recent photos or sakura tracking sites to verify azalea bloom status before your visit. +1
☕ Nearby Cafes & Shops
Explore charming cafes and shops around Kiyosumi, with Allpress Espresso being a popular stop.
🏛️ Combine with Art Museum
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, conveniently located nearby.
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Tranquility
Embrace the peaceful atmosphere; it's a perfect sanctuary from Tokyo's hustle.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kiyosumi Gardens is widely praised for its serene beauty and classic Japanese design, offering a peaceful escape from Tokyo's urban bustle. Visitors particularly love the vibrant azalea blooms in spring and the tranquil atmosphere. Some find the garden to be on the smaller side, and it can get crowded during peak seasons.
"You must see it to believe it!
This garden is all about peace and harmony. Once inside you just want to sit and observe its perfection. It was close to our airbnb so we discovered it by chance but it is definitely one of the best gardens I've ever seen. And it's unbelievable how isolated from the outside world it is while being next to a busy street.
Highly recommend!"
Alexander Pyatkov
"We just loved this spot! Such a perfect Japanese garden with a ton of history and historical significance. The foliage was lovely and really took you out of the city! But our favorite part were all the lovely bridges and stone walkways over the water. Oh and did I mention it was only about $2/150 yen for the both of us!"
Jess & Jake
"It was a rainy day and yet rain didn’t harm its beauty. It did stand out among other gardens by its characteristics. It does have some stone collections from around Japan. Many with signs indicating where it came and what type was it. Also many interesting stepping stones by the pond. Some were actually a bit challenging for me.
Its Sakura definitely not in season. Only one left. But it is close to the original store of blue bottle. Which would make it fun in one trip to visit both."
satsuki hoshino
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kiyosumi Gardens is accessible via the Toei Oedo Line to Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station or the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line to Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station. Both stations are a short walk from the garden entrance.
Yes, it's well-signposted from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station. The surrounding area also has a relaxed vibe with cafes and shops.
While driving is possible, parking in Tokyo can be challenging and expensive. Public transport is generally recommended for easier access.
Take the Toei Oedo Line directly from Shinjuku Station to Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station. The journey takes approximately 20-25 minutes.
The closest stations are Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station (Toei Oedo Line and Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line) and Morishita Station (Toei Oedo Line and Toei Shinjuku Line).
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Kiyosumi Gardens is typically very affordable, often around 150 JPY for adults. Check official sources for the most current pricing.
The gardens are generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission usually at 4:30 PM. Hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check in advance.
Advance booking is usually not required for Kiyosumi Gardens, as it's a public park. You can purchase tickets at the entrance.
Discounts are typically not offered, but the admission fee is already very low, making it an accessible attraction for all visitors.
Information on specific pass inclusions can vary. It's advisable to check the terms of your Tokyo Pass or any city tourism pass to see if it covers entry to Kiyosumi Gardens.
📸 📸 Photography
The stepping stones across the pond, the traditional tea house, and the vibrant azalea blooms (in spring) offer stunning photographic opportunities. The autumn foliage is also a popular subject.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in Kiyosumi Gardens for personal use. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid disruptive practices.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful lighting.
Tripod usage might be restricted during peak hours or for professional shoots. It's best to check the garden's regulations or use a monopod if needed.
Locals often recommend capturing the reflections in the pond, especially with the tea house or bridges, and finding unique angles among the diverse flora.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can stroll through the meticulously maintained landscape, admire the pond with its stepping stones, visit the traditional tea house, and enjoy the seasonal flowers, especially azaleas and autumn leaves.
A leisurely visit can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, allowing time to appreciate the details and find peaceful spots to relax.
Yes, restroom facilities are available within the garden premises for visitor convenience.
The main paths are generally well-maintained, but some areas with stepping stones or uneven terrain might pose challenges. It's advisable to check accessibility details beforehand.
Picnicking is generally not permitted within the main garden areas to preserve the tranquility and landscape. There might be designated areas outside the garden.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly inside Kiyosumi Gardens. However, there is a traditional tea house that might offer light refreshments.
The area around Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station offers a variety of cafes and restaurants, including traditional Japanese eateries and modern cafes like Allpress Espresso.
Yes, you can find traditional Japanese restaurants in the vicinity, offering dishes like sushi, tempura, and soba noodles.
The Kiyosumi-Shirakawa area is known for its specialty coffee scene. Allpress Espresso is a popular choice mentioned by visitors.
Using online map services or local guides can help you discover a range of dining options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon can provide the best natural light and fewer crowds, allowing for more creative freedom. The garden's serene atmosphere also lends itself well to capturing tranquil and aesthetically pleasing images. 🧘♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace
Find a bench by the pond, observe the koi, or simply wander the paths. The nearby cafes also offer a pleasant spot to relax with a book or coffee after your garden visit. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Japanese Garden Design
The garden's layout encourages exploration, with winding paths leading to various viewpoints. The tea house (chashitsu) is a focal point, offering a space for quiet reflection and appreciation of the surrounding beauty. Seasonal changes are a key element, with each season offering a distinct palette of colors and moods, from the vibrant azaleas in spring to the rich hues of autumn foliage.
Visitors often remark on the garden's ability to feel like a hidden sanctuary, a testament to its thoughtful design. The contrast between the bustling city outside and the serene atmosphere within is a recurring theme in visitor experiences.
Seasonal Spectacles: Azaleas and Autumn
Autumn also transforms the garden into a picturesque landscape. The fall foliage brings warm tones of red, orange, and yellow to the trees, creating a stunning contrast with the evergreen elements and the tranquil pond. This makes it an ideal time for photography and enjoying a peaceful stroll.
Beyond these peak seasons, the garden offers a consistent sense of calm. Even in other months, the meticulously maintained greenery, the gentle ripple of the pond, and the traditional architecture provide a soothing escape.
Exploring the Neighborhood: Cafes and Culture
Allpress Espresso is frequently mentioned as a must-visit spot for coffee enthusiasts, offering high-quality brews in a relaxed setting. This adds another layer to the experience, allowing visitors to enjoy both natural beauty and contemporary urban culture.
Furthermore, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo (MOT) is located nearby, making it convenient to create a cultural itinerary that includes both the serene garden and world-class art. This proximity allows for a diverse day out, blending nature, art, and local flavors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit