🗺️ Kiyosumi Gardens (清澄庭園)

Kiyosumi Teien is a stroll garden characterized by springs, artificial hills, and karesansui (dry landscape gardens). In 1878, entrepreneur Iwasaki Yataro purchased a previously abandoned residence and began construction. It was initially completed in 1880 and named "Fukagawa Shinboku-en." After Yataro's death, the garden's development continued, with his successors introducing water from the Sumida River to create a pond and arranging famous stones collected from various parts of Japan in a harmonious layout throughout the garden, ultimately completing it as a stroll-style landscape garden. The garden was later maintained by the then-Tokyo City and officially opened to the public in 1932. It was designated a scenic spot by Tokyo Metropolis in March 1979. In 1977, a site adjacent to the western side of the garden was opened as a public park, creating the Kiyosumi Teien that exists today. Within the park, there are three distinctive "wading stones" that allow visitors to cross the pond while enjoying the changing scenery from different perspectives. On rainy days or the days following rain, the landscape becomes especially enchanting. The various stones placed throughout the garden, when wet from rain, exhibit a soft glow, adding to the garden's charm. While most tourist spots see fewer visitors on rainy days, many choose to visit Kiyosumi Teien specifically to admire this picturesque scenery. The park on the west side of the garden features a grassy area and a gazebo, and it is home to around 20 cherry blossom trees, making it an excellent spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring. Free Japanese guided tours are available every weekend and national holiday, with English tours offered on the second Sunday of each month.

A round-trip style garden featuring a泉水 (spring water), artificial mountains, and枯山水 (dry landscape). Within the garden, there are three "渡池石塊" (stepping stones) arranged harmoniously along the edge of the pond, allowing visitors to step on them and enjoy the scenery. Spring is a popular season for cherry blossom viewing. The stones, dampened by rainwater, reflect a soft glow, creating a visually pleasing experience.