What is the most popular sport in your country? In Lithuania, where I currently live, the answer is basketball. However, in Japan, baseball takes the top spot. The Korakuen area, which I’ll introduce today, is famous for the Tokyo Dome. This stadium serves as a massive hub where fans gather to watch baseball games, attend major events, and enjoy concerts. As a symbol of the city, this district perfectly represents the fun and lively side of Tokyo.
Korakuen is a special destination that seamlessly combines traditional scenery with modern, large-scale facilities. It truly is a great place to visit!
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden – Photo Credit: watanos
The History of Korakuen
The name “Korakuen” originates from one of the oldest surviving gardens in Tokyo, the Koishikawa Korakuen, which was built in the early Edo period. Completed by Tokugawa Yorifusa, the first lord of the Tokugawa family, and his successor, Tokugawa Mitsukuni, the garden is renowned for a design that blends Japanese and Chinese traditions.
The name was inspired by advice from Zhu Shunshui, a Chinese Confucian scholar who fled to Japan. Tokugawa Mitsukuni chose the name based on the phrase “先天下之憂而憂、後天下之楽而楽,” which means, “A leader should be the first to worry about the concerns of the people and the last to enjoy happiness.” This philosophy highlights the importance of public duty and caring for others before oneself.
Shidare Zakura at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden – Photo Credit: さいばーちょっと
Things to Do & See in Korakuen
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
This expansive park covers over 70,000 square meters and expresses Japan’s natural landscapes, including coast, mountains, rivers, and fields. Throughout the year, the garden offers a rich palette of colors and scents that shift with the seasons.
A major highlight is the “Shidare Zakura,” a weeping cherry blossom tree located near the entrance. This magnificent 60-year-old tree blooms slightly earlier than most Sakura, allowing you to experience the arrival of spring a little sooner.
Beyond cherry blossoms, you can also admire rice fields, water lilies, irises, vibrant autumn leaves, and pretty winter landscapes. There is something to appreciate in every season!
Website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/koishikawakorakuen/
Address: 1 Chome-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004
Autumn leaves and Koishikawa Kourakuen Garden – Photo Credit: ryuta_papa
Event Information
Plum Blossom Festival (February – March)
During the Plum Blossom Festival, around 150 plum trees welcome visitors with their sweet fragrance. Additionally, there are opportunities to experience Japanese culture and guided tours, so don’t miss out!
Nighttime Special Admission (September – October)
At this event, the garden is beautifully lit up at night. Furthermore, on October 6, 2024, they held a “Lantern Floating event” where glowing lanterns floated on the water, creating a magical atmosphere.
Autumn Leaves Festival (November – December)
During this event, you can admire 480 Momiji trees dressed in the vibrant colors of autumn. The charm of autumn leaves lies in its endless beauty, shifting from green to yellow, orange, and even deep red. So, be sure to enjoy the stunning autumn vibes in Tokyo!
Event details may change each year, so please check the official website for updates.
Tokyo Dome & Tokyo Dome City – Photo Credit: ゆなみる
Tokyo Dome & Tokyo Dome City
Tokyo Dome is a popular spot for baseball games, especially since it allows fans to watch matches even on rainy days. Thus, if you’re a baseball lover, attending a Japanese game here is a must!
In addition, there is Tokyo Dome City next to Tokyo Dome, which is a bustling entertainment facility. It offers everything from thrilling rides to shopping and spa experiences, making it a perfect destination for both kids and adults.
Tokyo Dome Website: https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/dome/
Tokyo Dome Address: 1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004
Tokyo Dome City Website: https://at-raku.com/
Tokyo Dome City Address: 1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004
Tokyo Dome City Attractions – Photo Credit: KenSoftTH
Tokyo Dome City Attractions
In Korakuen, there’s more than just gardens and baseball, you can also enjoy an amusement park! The best point is a giant Ferris wheel, and it’s especially beautiful at night when the city is full of lights.
Website: https://www.at-raku.com/
Address: 1 Chome-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-8575
Spa LaQua
Here, you can indulge in natural hot springs, low-temperature saunas, and massage treatments. If you need a break from the crowds or a place to relax without kids around, the adults-only Healing Baden area is a perfect place for sure. So recharge your body and mind before your next Tokyo adventure!
Website: https://www.laqua.jp/spa/
Address: 〒112-0003 Tokyo, Bunkyo City, Kasuga, 1 Chome−1−1 ラクーアビル 6F
Space Travelium TeNQ
Space Travelium TeNQ, which opened on November 22, 2024, is a new space-themed center. It’s an ideal spot for kids, where they can learn about space and even experience space travel through VR. Also, the TeNQ CAFE 138 serves space-inspired sweets. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the vacuum, this is the place to make your dream come true!
Website: https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/tenq/
Address: 〒112-0004 Tokyo, Bunkyo City, Koraku, 1 Chome−3−61 Yellow Building, 6F
Diamond Fuji – Photo Credit: シロップ
Bunkyo Civic Center Observation Lounge
The Observation Lounge at Bunkyo Civic Center is about 105 meters above the ground. From here, you can enjoy stunning views in all directions. For instance, Tokyo Skytree to the east, the Shinjuku skyscrapers and Mt. Fuji to the west, and Mt. Tsukuba to the north.
As I mentioned before, Korakuen is super beautiful at night, and this is one of the best spots to have a romantic date. Plus, if you visit around February 2nd or November 9th, you might be able to see “Diamond Fuji,” when the sun sets directly over the peak of Mt. Fuji, making a sparkling effect. Make sure to check out the Bunkyo Civic Center Observation Lounge, and let’s hope for a clear sky!
Website: http://www.city.bunkyo.lg.jp/shisetsu/civiccenter/tenbo.html
Address: 文京シビックセンタ, 25階, 1 Chome-16-21 Kasuga, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0003
Records – Photo Credit: FineGraphics
Koishikawa Library
Just a 30-minute walk or a 10-minute train ride from Bunkyo Civic Center, you’ll find Koishikawa Library, also located in Bunkyo Ward. The second floor of this library has around 20,000 records, which is the largest collection in any library in Tokyo.
The library even has record players, so you can listen to these records with headphones. If you’re interested in classic Japanese music or the nostalgic sounds of vinyl, Koishikawa Library is worth a visit!
Website: https://www.lib.city.bunkyo.tokyo.jp/lib03-koishi.html
Address: 5 Chome-9-20 Koishikawa, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0002
Matcha set – Photo Credit: りょっち07
Things to Eat in Korakuen
Kantoku-tei (Vi-dorotei Tea Salon)
At Kantoku-tei, you can enjoy a traditional Japanese meal while seeing the beautiful garden views from Koishikawa Korakuen’s historical buildings. They also offer a matcha tea set, making it a great spot for a relaxing café time. If you visit Koishikawa Korakuen, be sure to stop by and enjoy a meal or tea here!!
Website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/koishikawakorakuen/facility/index.html
Address: 1 Chome-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0004
Teppanyaki – Photo Credit: チリーズ
Teppanyaki Grow Korakuen
This restaurant is located near Tokyo Dome and it is a stylish teppanyaki restaurant where you can eat A5-grade Wagyu beef and a selection of Japanese sake in a calm, elegant setting. The restaurant offers set menus starting at ¥6,600, making it a great value. They also have luxurious courses, using lobster and abalone. Therefore, consider celebrating your next special day at Teppanyaki Grow!
Website: https://www.grow-korakuen.com/
Address: 〒112-0002 Tokyo, Bunkyo City, Koishikawa, 2 Chome−24−2 高橋ビル 1F
Fried shrimp – Photo Credit: ガイム
Restaurant Newglory
Restaurant Newglory was established in 1971 and is a cozy, hidden gem. During the daytime, it serves Western-style dishes, and at night, it transforms into an izakaya, so you can enjoy two different dining experiences in one day! The dishes are quite affordable, so I highly recommend you order your favorite menu items. The big fried shrimp is definitely worth a try!
Website: https://restaurant-newglory.com/
Address: 〒112-0004 Tokyo, Bunkyo City, Koraku, 2 Chome−3−10 白王ビル
Bicycle and coffee – Photo Credit: This is Alyssa Phillips
Cruise Bicycle + Cafe
This unique shop combines a bicycle and outdoor gear store with a coffee stand and bar. Inside, you’ll find a selected collection of bicycles and accessories from all over the world, creating a haven for cycling enthusiasts. Besides bike repairs and sales, the shop also has a counter where you can enjoy beer or coffee, making it a perfect spot for those who want to savor the outdoor vibe.
Website: http://cruisebc.tokyo/
Address: 〒112-0003 Tokyo, Bunkyo City, Kasuga, 2 Chome−1−11 1F
Night View from the Observation Lounge at Bunkyo Civic Center – Photo Credit: 源五郎
Korakuen is a unique area where traditional charms meet modern attractions. You can relax in the peaceful Koishikawa Korakuen Garden or feel the excitement at Tokyo Dome City. It is absolutely the perfect spot for everyone, including kids, adults, those who love lively places, and even those who prefer to avoid crowds. Don’t forget to add this area to your next destination!
Featured Photo Credit: kuremo
