The pond in the center of the garden is the Daisensui. Inspired by Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, the pond plays the role of the main attraction in the gardens. The man-made island, named Horai-jima, and the rocks in the pond coordinate well with the surrounding atmosphere to create graceful scenery. In its earlier days, the pond was used for sailing as well.

To the north of the pond is Shorozan, a hill resembling Mount Lu (Lushan) in China. Ruscus leaf bamboos cover the round man-made hill. From the top of the hill is a breathtaking view of the entire garden.

The capacious stream running towards the western side of the park is the Oi-gawa river. The Oi-gawa River is a real river in Kyoto prefecture, and the one here is a smaller replica of the original. The water in it used to be pulled straight from Kanda Aqueduct.

The bridge arching over the Oi-gawa River is Engetsukyo. Confucian scholar Zhu Zhiyu, who Mitsunari greatly welcomed and endeared, planned the design of the bridge. The name of the bridge translates to “Round Moon”, since the bridge and its reflection in the river connects to form a full moon.

The inner garden, or "naitei", sits at the southern end of the garden. While the garden was under Tokugawa possession, the naitei was a separate facility from the rest of the garden. This area was used as a private cram school during the Tokugawa days.

At the very eastern end of the garden is the rice paddy, or inada. The rice paddy area has an abundance of plum trees, irises and wisterias. Mitsukuni decided to place a rice paddy within his garden grounds to teach his wife and child the hardships of farming and peasant life.

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden has approximately 90 plum trees of 35 types, which reach their prime season around late February to early March. Tokugawa Mitsukuni who was responsible for the completion of this garden, is said to have loved plum trees so much that he took on the pseudonym "Bairi" (梅里 = land of plums) when he took part in creative activities such as calligraphy and painting.

The Fall Foliage Festival will have you feeling fall with every single one of your senses. Autumn in Japan is already stunning to begin with, but it is exceptional at Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens with the traditional Japanese garden supporting the fall foliage scenery. From the end of November to the beginning of December the gardens will be adorned in autumn hues.

To prevent snow from weighing the trees branches down, yuki-tsuri are placed over the trees. Yuki-tsuri ropes carefully situate on the trees, and resemble an empty Christmas tree. During the winter months, you can see the trees in Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens with the traditional Japanese technology, yuki-tsuri over them.

Autumn 2013: Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens

Visit Date: 11/21/2013 (Best Viewing TIme: late November to early December)

Koishikawa Kōrakuen (小石川後楽園) is one of the oldest and best preserved parks in Tokyo and one of the surviving gardens from the Edo period. Numerous maple and ginkgo trees are planted along walking trails that lead to ponds, bridges, and man-made hills, providing one of the most pleasing autumn viewing spot in the city.