In the late 1600's, the Kyu-Yasuda Garden was a feudal lord's residence. The pond was famous because it was fed by the Sumida River. With the Sumida's proximity to the ocean, the water level in the pond rose and fell with the tides (although still fed by the Sumida, the water level no longer fluxuates in the garden).
Later the land was owned by Zenjiro Yasuda who granted it to the public after his death in 1922. Unfortunately it was destroyed by the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, but was renovated afterwards and opened as a park in 1927. Post WWII development polluted the Sumida River and the grounds of the garden were greatly affected, but they were restored again in 1971. 
Unlike most of the gardens around Tokyo, Kyu Yasuda Garden is a public park and admission is free. That said, I wouldn't recommend going out of my way to visit it. It is nice, but it is small and not so special. However, if you are visiting the Edo-Tokyo Museum or going to a Sumo tournament and you want to eat a picnic lunch outdoors, this is the spot.Address: 12 Yokoami, Sumida-ku (Just behind Ryogoku Station).
Open everyday 9:30 - 16:30. Closed Dec 29 - Jan 1.
2 comments:
An accurate review. A relaxing bit of Edo.
I wasn't expecting much, but I really enjoyed this parks relaxed atmosphere and would even consider suggesting someone going out of their way to visit. The turtles in the pond were especially nice to look at.
Post a Comment