What can visitors see at the garden?

The garden contains over 4,000 plant species across 16 hectares, including native Japanese plants, medicinal herbs, aquatic plants, tropical specimens in conservatories, and endangered species. Notable features include centuries-old trees, traditional Japanese landscape sections, and a preserved Meiji-era scholar's residence.

Are there facilities like restrooms and rest areas?

The garden provides basic facilities including restrooms and benches throughout the grounds. There is no restaurant or café on site, so visitors should plan accordingly. Vending machines are available for beverages.

How do I get to Koishikawa Botanical Garden?

Take Hakusan Station (Toei Mita Line) or Myogadani Station (Toei Marunouchi Line), both approximately 10 minutes' walk from the garden. Komagome Station (JR Yamanote Line) is another nearby option.

How long does a typical visit take?

Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the garden's 16 hectares. Those interested in botanical details or photography may stay longer, while a brief walk through the main paths can be completed in under an hour.

Koishikawa Botanical Garden: Highlights, Access & Tips - Trip To Japan

Tokyo

Koishikawa Botanical Garden

4.3 (3107)Botanical GardenTourist AttractionPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Apr 6, 2026

The Koishikawa Botanical Garden, officially known as the University of Tokyo's Koishikawa Botanical Gardens, is one of Japan's oldest botanical institutions, established in 1684 during the Edo period. Originally created as a medicinal herb garden for the Tokugawa shogunate, it served as a practical resource for studying and cultivating plants used in traditional medicine. The garden transitioned to the University of Tokyo in 1877 and has since functioned as a research and educational facility while remaining open to the public.

Spanning approximately 16 hectares in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward, the garden houses over 4,000 plant species from Japan and around the world. Its collections include both native Japanese flora and exotic specimens, with specialized sections devoted to medicinal plants, aquatic plants, and endangered species. The garden's layout preserves elements of traditional Japanese garden design while incorporating systematic botanical classifications, creating a unique blend of aesthetic and scientific presentation. Notable features include historic trees that are several centuries old, traditional Japanese landscape elements, and conservatories displaying tropical and subtropical plants.

Visitors can explore winding paths that lead through diverse plant communities, from dense woodland areas to open lawns and specialized thematic gardens. The garden is particularly renowned during cherry blossom season in spring and for its vibrant autumn foliage displays. The grounds also contain the former residence of a prominent Meiji-era scholar and various historical monuments that reflect the site's long academic heritage. The garden serves as both a peaceful retreat from urban Tokyo and an educational resource, with labeled specimens and seasonal botanical exhibitions.

The garden is located in the Hakusan area of Bunkyo Ward, accessible via Hakusan Station on the Toei Mita Line or Myogadani Station on the Toei Marunouchi Line, both requiring approximately a 10-minute walk. Komagome Station on the JR Yamanote Line is also nearby. Admission costs ¥500 for adults and ¥150 for children, with the garden closed on Mondays and during the New Year holiday period.

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Website

www.bg.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp

Overview

Address

3-chōme-7-1 Hakusan, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0001, Japan

Places & attractions near Koishikawa Botanical Garden

National Yoyogi Stadium

Hibiya Park

Marunouchi Building

Otori Shrine

Places & attractions near Koishikawa Botanical Garden

National Yoyogi Stadium

Hibiya Park

Marunouchi Building

Otori Shrine

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

Super lovely garden in just 10min from Hakusan station. It is one of the BEST gardens in Tokyo. Has sakura, plums, higanbana, hydrangea and azalea. Autumn season is beautiful with foilage and winter is just gorgeous in the rare snowy days. Gardens are huge and not too crowded, especially in week days. It is a big luxury to be able to enjoy beautiful flowers in peace without crazy crowds. Yokozuna-sized cat can meet you by the entrance if you are lucky enough.

Liz I

Apr 30, 2026

A calm, spacious garden perfect for escaping Tokyo’s noise. Beautiful old trees, wide lawns, and a pond that feels timeless. Quiet paths, great viewpoints, and almost no crowds. Not flashy, just peaceful and genuinely relaxing — an easy place to lose an hour without trying.

Koishikawa Botanical Gardens is a true hidden oasis in Tokyo. Its most notable feature is its immense size and surprising tranquility. Unlike crowded spots such as Shinjuku Gyoen, the grounds remain refreshingly peaceful, even on busy holiday weekends. It is an ideal location for quiet contemplation and reading; just bring a picnic sheet and a good book for a perfectly serene afternoon. The garden’s rich botanical diversity, including a fantastic greenhouse, ensures it is a rewarding place to visit throughout all four seasons. You will never get bored exploring the paths. Frankly, this garden is so special that I consider it my personal, secret power-charging spot. It's the perfect sanctuary to escape the city noise and reconnect with nature. Don't miss this beautiful, quiet gem.

This place is more compact than Shinjuku Gyoenmae and is a great spot for a quiet stroll. It's especially wonderful during the plum and cherry blossom seasons from February to April. Please note that during that time, to avoid congestion at the entrance, the entrance is located a little further inside from where you normally pay the entrance fee. The staff will kindly explain the way. You can buy an annual pass, but you won't break even unless you visit at least five times. For sightseeing, a single ticket is sufficient. Because you pay to enter, the park is well-ordered, and you won't see the rowdy drinking and rowdy scenes during cherry blossom season. I highly recommend this place

I came here about two weeks ago, and it was a really nice visit. It was very easy to get to, and the walk through the gardens was peaceful and enjoyable. While this particular garden didn’t stand out as much as some of the others I’ve visited, it’s still a lovely spot, especially if you’re already in the area or you’re wanting to explore a different botanical garden. The entry cost isn’t high, and you do get some pretty views as you walk around. There are other botanical gardens in Tokyo that offer a bit more variety and feel more expansive, but that doesn’t take away from this one at all. It’s still worth checking out if you’re nearby and want somewhere calm and pretty to walk through. I’d recommend it for a relaxed visit and a nice escape into nature.