A Meiji-Era Garden of Stones and Serenity in Tokyo

Nestled in the Fukagawa district of Tokyo, Kiyosumi Teien is a tranquil Japanese stroll garden that seamlessly blends natural beauty with historical significance. Originally part of the Edo-period residence of the wealthy merchant Kinokuniya Bunzaemon, the garden later became the suburban estate of Kuze Yamato no Kami, a feudal lord of Sekiyado, during the Kyōhō era (1716–1736). In 1878, Iwasaki Yatarō, the founder of Mitsubishi, acquired the property and transformed it into a garden for entertaining guests and providing relaxation for his employees.

One of the garden’s most distinctive features is its extensive collection of water-worn boulders, meticulously arranged throughout the landscape. These stones, sourced from various regions across Japan, were transported to Tokyo using Iwasaki’s steamships. They form stepping stone pathways (iso-watari) across the pond’s inlets, allowing visitors to experience the garden’s beauty from multiple perspectives.

The garden’s design follows the traditional kaiyu-shiki (stroll garden) style, guiding visitors along winding paths that reveal carefully curated views of the central pond, three islands, and a teahouse. Seasonal flora, including Japanese black pines, azaleas, hydrangeas, and iris, provide vibrant colors throughout the year. Additionally, the pond is home to carp, turtles, and various waterfowl, adding to the garden’s serene ambiance.

Located just a short walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station, Kiyosumi Teien offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its harmonious blend of nature and history.

Read more in our eBook!

eBook cover Kiyosumi Garden in Tokyo by Real Japanese Gardens

Kiyosumi Teien Garden Guide

This eBook introduces Kiyosumi Teien, a historic stroll garden in Tokyo’s Fukagawa district. Known for its unique collection of stones and tranquil pond, it offers a serene escape from urban life.
Perfect for garden enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking a peaceful retreat in Tokyo.
Learn more before your visit—or revisit from home.

Buy Now
  • Introduction
  • History
  • Buildings
  • Stones and Stone
  • Constructions
  • Other Highlights
  • Anikas Impressions
  • Around Kiyosumi garden

14 pages full of information about the Kiyosumi Garden
31 pictures of the gardens

PDF 20MB
The eBook is delivered as PDF.

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Directions

How to get to the garden

Kiyosumi-Shirakawa station is the closest to the garden. It is served by the Hanzomon and Oedo Metro lines. From the station, walk 100m south.

View Google Map (Google Website)

Address

  • EN: 3 Chome-3-9 Kiyosumi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0024, Japan
  • JP: 〒135-0024 東京都江東区清澄3丁目3−9

Opening times

  • 9:00 – 17:00 (last entry at 4:30pm)

Closed around New Year between December 29th and January 3st.

Admission fee

  • Adults: 150 yen
  • Free for Elementary School Students and younger
  • Free for Junior High School Students who live in Tokyo

Facilities & Accessibility

  • The Taisho-Kinen-Kan sometimes offer tea.
  • Multi purpose restrooms
  • The garden is partly barrier-free (the area behind the entrance).
  • The tea house can be rented.

Best time to visit

  • In Winter when the waterfowl is resting in the garden.
  • End of March - Beginning of April for Cherry Blossoms.
  • In June when the hydrangea are flowering.

Map