A Walk in Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens on Green Day

Koishikawa Korakuen (小石川後楽園, Koishikawa Kōrakuen) is one of Tokyo's oldest and most esteemed Japanese gardens. Constructed in the early Edo Period (1600-1868), it served as the garden for the Tokyo residence of the Mito branch of the ruling Tokugawa family.
The garden was named "Korakuen," like its counterpart in Okayama, inspired by a poem advising rulers to find personal pleasure only after ensuring the well-being of their people. Situated in the Koishikawa district, the garden epitomizes traditional Japanese landscape design.
Koishikawa Korakuen meticulously recreates renowned landscapes in miniature form, employing ponds, stones, trees, and artificial hills to echo the natural beauty of both Japanese and Chinese scenery. Visitors follow a network of walking trails designed to lead them to specific viewpoints, each offering a unique perspective of the garden's serene and meticulously crafted environment.
Despite the modern urban backdrop of Tokyo Dome and surrounding buildings, Koishikawa Korakuen provides a tranquil escape, blending natural beauty with historical and cultural significance.