Tokyo is a city full of beautiful Parks and Gardens. One such garden, the Former Yasuda Garden in Sumida City, is worth a visit. This garden is well known for its large pond filled with koi fish and dramatic stone lanterns. The garden also features diverse types of trees and plants.
If you’re looking for a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo’s busy streets, the Former Yasuda Garden is worth checking out!
The Sumida Community Ambassadors Program included the garden on the First Trip.
Our team leaders explained the history and values of the garden. It’s word visiting.
Location:
Former Yasuda Garden is a beautiful, strolling Japanese garden in Ryogoku Sumo Town, Sumida City, Tokyo. The exact location of the garden is behind the Japanese Sword Museum.
Brief History:
According to the historical record, Daimyo Honda built the garden in the 17th century. He was one of the landlords in the Edo Period.
But, the Yasuda Financial Group founder, Yasuda Zenjiro, bought it in 1889. So, the name of the garden became Yasuda Garden( Yasuda Teien).
Yasuda donated the garden to Tokyo Government in 1922.
Again the name changed.
People started calling it ‘Kyu-Yasuda Teien.’ It means in plain English, ‘Former Yasuda Garden.’
The city government opened the garden to the public on July 16, 1927.
But the owner of the garden is Sumida Ward now.
What to do in the Garden?
Once a strolling pond garden irrigated with water from the Sumida River and home to many Tokyoites during the Edo Period.
But it now preserves itself as a ‘synonymous place’ where you can enjoy immersing yourself in Japanese culture.
Kyu-Yasuda Teien is a perfect place to
- relax
- photograph scene of a Japanese garden
- watch cranes, turtles, and Koi
- breath in the nature
Many people come to take photos wearing traditional kimonos here.
Besides, the garden contains beautiful bridges, stone lanterns, and pagodas.
Yes!
The top of the Tokyo Skytree looks fantastic from the garden. Tourists can’t avoid capturing the scene.
Samurai Abe:
There’s a small shrine in the garden.
According to the record, it’s dedicated to Samurai Abe.
Sumida River had a flood. So he came to see the flooding situation, crossing the flooded Sumida River.
The affected people highly honored his love and courage. So they dedicated the shrine in his name.
Flowers:
The garden is home to various lovely flowers. Some famous seasonal flowers in the garden are azaleas, hydrangea, and Sarusuberi.
One of the team leaders explained how Sarusuberi’s name has become famous in Japanese.
Very interesting!
‘Saru’ means ‘monkey,’ and ‘suberi’ means ‘slip.’
The flowers are so beautiful. So the monkeys want to reach the flowers.
But the branches are too slim, and monkeys slip from the trees to the ground. That’s why the name of the flower became Sarusuberi.
Sarusuberi blooms in August.
So, never miss visiting the garden in August to see Sarusuberi.
Best time to visit Former Yasuda Garden:
The Yasuda is beautiful all the time.
However, the best time is from late February to early March. That’s when the plum trees in the garden start blooming.
Good Facilities:
The garden is easily accessible.
At the same time, it has some good points.
Such as-
- Near JR Station
- Right size garden
- Amazing in all season
- Free entrance
Surroundings:
The garden’s location is good because it’s near Ryogoku JR Station.
At the same time, it’s an area well known as the home of sumo.
Ryogoku Kokugikan (Sumo Stadium) is just one minute walk from the garden.
On the other hand, the Edo-Tokyo Museum is also a-2 minute walk from the garden. You can learn about the history of Tokyo here.
Final word:
The garden is impressive.
I can say the Former Yasuda Garden is the beauty of Ryogoku Sumo Town. The garden is worth visiting while you’re nearby of it.
Opening hours:
9:00 – 19:30
*Close at 18:00 from October-March. Only partially open after 16:30.
Admission Fee:
Free
Not allowed:
- riding a bicycle
- no dog
- no car parking
Access:
Nearest Station: Ryogoku Station
(JR Sobu Line and Toei Oedo Line)
4 min (290 m) walk from Ryogoku Station
Address:
1-12-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Website:
Former Yasuda Garden (Kyu-Yasuda Teien)