Quaint bridges reach across the rock-filled pond of this exquisite Japanese garden beside a petting zoo and a large urban park.
Heisei Garden has a traditional Japanese design, with a classical teahouse and a large pond filled with an array of fish. It glows pink in spring with the delicate blossoms of cherry trees, before irises begin to bloom in early June. Sit with your legs dangling above the water and watch people slowly stroll by in this tranquil garden.
Meander past the trees and plants that edge the pond and listen to the rustling of the tree leaves. Sit on a bench with a view of the water and read a book. Dwelling within the pond are schools of large carp and other colorful fish. The garden has a constantly changing face. Come in fall to see the dark red leaves that are scattered across the surface of the water and visit in spring for spectacular pink cherry blossoms.
As you walk along the path that wraps around the pond, capture photos of the exotic vegetation. Enjoy a hot beverage with some friends on a cool winter afternoon in the teahouse. It stands within a traditional Japanese edifice whose rooms are often used for cultural events.
Heisei Garden is part of Gyosen Park, which has an impressive fountain, a children’s playground and a fishing pond. Bring your kids to the park’s zoo, where they’re sure to love the red pandas and monkeys. Check out the anteaters and wallabies, before petting or feeding the cuddly rabbits, sheep and guinea pigs.
The garden, which was first opened in 1989, is free to enter. Heisei Garden stands in the heart of Gyosen Park in the southern part of the Edogawa Ward. A little east of the Nake River, the garden is a 15-minute walk from the Nishi-Kasai station. Visit some of the other nearby green areas, such as Wakakusa Park, Kojima Park and Ukita Central Park.
