Destinations Events & Experiences Ryogoku

Yasuda Garden

Yasuda Garden – A Peaceful Oasis in the Heart of Tokyo

Nestled near Ryogoku, the traditional sumo district of Tokyo, Yasuda Garden is a serene Japanese garden that offers a quiet escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Although surrounded by modern buildings and busy streets, this garden preserves the calm beauty and harmony of Edo-period landscape design.

A Glimpse into Edo History

Yasuda Garden was originally built in the early 18th century as the private residence garden of a feudal lord from the Honjo Matsudaira family. During the Meiji period, it became the property of the Yasuda financial group, a powerful business family who restored and maintained it. Later, it was donated to the city of Tokyo, and today it is open to the public as a place of relaxation and cultural appreciation.

Design and Atmosphere

The garden is designed in the kaiyu-shiki (strolling pond style), a traditional Japanese layout that encourages visitors to walk around a central pond and enjoy changing views from different angles. The pond is fed by spring water and occasionally connected to the nearby Sumida River, symbolizing the natural flow of life and renewal.

Stone lanterns, small bridges, and meticulously pruned pine trees line the pathways. In each season, the scenery changes dramatically: cherry blossoms bloom in spring, irises and hydrangeas color the summer, red maples glow in autumn, and the winter landscape brings tranquil reflection. The gentle sound of water and the chirping of birds make it a perfect place to rest and appreciate Japanese aesthetics.

A Hidden Gem beside Ryogoku

Yasuda Garden sits right next to Ryogoku Kokugikan, Japan’s national sumo arena, and the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Many visitors stop by before or after watching a sumo match or exploring Edo history. Despite its central location, the garden remains peaceful and rarely crowded — a true hidden gem where you can feel the calm spirit of old Tokyo.

Visiting Information

How to Get to this place
Address:
1-12-1 Yokomami, Sumida City, Tokyo
Access:
From Akihabara Station:

Take the Chūō-Sōbu Line(Local) to Ryogoku Station (about 5 minutes). Then walk about 5 minutes.

Opening Hours:
April to September: 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM
October to March: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
*Partial access only after 4:30 PM.
*Light-up event held after sunset.
Closed: December 29 to January 1