Former Yasuda Garden

The Former Yasuda Garden is a traditional Japanese landscape garden located in Sumida Ward, Tokyo, near the Ryōgoku district. Originally created in 1688 during the Edo period, the garden was once part of the estate of a wealthy merchant and later came into the possession of Yasuda Zenjirō, founder of the Yasuda zaibatsu (financial conglomerate), who acquired it in 1891. The garden survived both the Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923 and World War II air raids, making it one of the few Edo-period gardens remaining in Tokyo's eastern districts.

The garden exemplifies the kaiyū-shiki teien or strolling pond garden style, designed to reveal different scenic views as visitors walk along its paths. At its center lies a tide pond that was historically connected to the nearby Sumida River, allowing water levels to rise and fall with the tides. The garden's most striking feature is an 8.5-ton stone positioned beside the pond, transported from Izu Peninsula and considered one of the finest ornamental rocks in any Tokyo garden. Carefully pruned pine trees, stone lanterns, and a small hillock with observation points create composed views that reflect classical Japanese aesthetics.

Visitors can walk the circular path around the pond, which takes approximately 20 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace. The garden offers seasonal interest throughout the year, with plum blossoms in early spring, wisteria in late spring, and autumn foliage reflected in the pond waters. The adjacent Ryōgoku neighborhood is known for its sumo culture, and many visitors combine a garden visit with trips to the nearby Edo-Tokyo Museum or the Sumida Hokusai Museum, both within walking distance.

The garden is accessible via Ryōgoku Station, served by the JR Sōbu Line and the Toei Ōedo Line, located 7 minutes on foot from either exit. Admission is 150 yen for adults, 70 yen for seniors aged 65 and over, and free for elementary school children and younger. The garden is managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association.