後楽園散歩｜osanpo.net

“While Korakuen in Bunkyo Ward is primarily associated with Tokyo Dome, it’s surprisingly rich in quiet green spaces, historical sites, and charming old alleyways – a place of wonderful contrasts. Join us on a stroll through the Korakuen area, where you can feel the blend of serenity and dynamism, history and the future!”

🚶‍♀️Course Overview

Rekisen Park (礫川公園)
Tokyo Metropolitan War Cemetery (東京都戦没者霊園)
Chuo University (中央大学)
Kitano Jinja (Ushitenjin)) (北野神社(牛天神))
Tokyo Dome (東京ドーム)
Korakuen Hall (後楽園ホール)
JRA Korakuen (JRA後楽園)
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden (小石川後楽園)
LaQua (ラクーア)
Bunkyo Civic Center (文京シビックセンター)
Bunkyo Garden (文京ガーデン)
Konnyaku Enma (こんにゃくえんま)
Hongo Backstreets (本郷路地裏)

🚩 Rekisen Park (礫川公園)

A tranquil park located just steps from Korakuen Station, it boasts beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn leaves. This peaceful space, often filled with the sound of children playing, is a perfect spot for a little deep breathing to begin your stroll.

So, for **礫川公園**, the reading is **“Rekisen Kōen”**.

🕊️Tokyo Metropolitan War Cemetery (東京都戦没者霊園)

Just north of the park lies a serene memorial site. Surrounded by trees, this space makes the flow of time feel unhurried. Take a moment to experience the sudden quietness that emerges right within the city.

🎓Chuo University (中央大学)

This describes a futuristic, science and technology-focused campus. While not open to the public, the surrounding streets offer interesting views of the Dome City and high-rise buildings peeking through the campus. It’s a fascinating blend of learning and entertainment, a contrast truly characteristic of Korakuen.

From the perspective of being photographed from the Kasuga-dori Avenue direction.

🐮Kitano Jinja (Ushitenjin)) (北野神社(牛天神))

A power spot related to cows. People rub the ‘nadeushi’ (stroking cow statue) while making a wish. Many also visit to pray for academic success and good health. Because it’s located on a slightly elevated area, the gentle slope also adds a little spice to your walk.

Komainu, or rather, Komaushi (guardian cows)?

**Sugawara no Michizane**. He is revered as the **god of learning and scholarship**.

⚾Tokyo Dome (東京ドーム)

Tokyo Dome is a baseball stadium. It also serves as a venue for concerts and various events. Even just walking a full loop around its exterior is enjoyable!

🥊Korakuen Hall (後楽園ホール)

Korakuen Hall is a famous sports venue in the center of Tokyo.
It is well known for pro wrestling, boxing, and martial arts events.

📍 Location: Inside Tokyo Dome City, near Suidobashi Station
👥 Seats: Around 1,800 — very close to the ring!
🎂 Opened: 1962 (Over 60 years of history)

🐎JRA Korakuen (JRA後楽園)

JRA Korakuen (WINS Korakuen) is an off-track betting facility where you can enjoy Japanese horse racing.
It’s not an actual racecourse, but you can watch races from all over Japan on large screens and place bets while enjoying the atmosphere.

📍 Location: Inside Tokyo Dome City, just a short walk from Korakuen Station or Suidobashi Station
🕒 Open days: Mainly Saturdays and Sundays, on Japan Racing Association (JRA) race days (from around 9:00 AM to early evening)

🌳Koishikawa Korakuen Garden (小石川後楽園)

Koishikawa Korakuen is a traditional Japanese garden located in the heart of Tokyo.
It was created in the early 17th century during the Edo period and offers a beautiful combination of history and nature.

📍 Location: Just next to Tokyo Dome City, a short walk from Korakuen Station or Suidobashi Station
🌳 Features: A strolling-style garden with a large pond, small hills, bridges, and seasonal plants
🏯 History: Built in 1629 by Tokugawa Yorifusa, the first feudal lord of the Mito branch of the Tokugawa family
👀 Highlights: Enjoy seasonal scenery such as plum blossoms (Feb–Mar), cherry blossoms (late Mar–Apr), and autumn leaves (Nov).
Some parts of the garden are inspired by Chinese landscapes and famous spots in Kyoto and Shiga, creating a unique blend of Japanese and Chinese aesthetics.

♨️LaQua (ラクーア)

LaQua is a spa and shopping complex located in Tokyo Dome City.
It’s a popular spot where you can enjoy natural hot springs, restaurants, shopping, and amusement attractions — all in one place.
Perfect for both relaxation and entertainment.

📍 Location: Right next to Tokyo Dome, just a short walk from Korakuen Station, Kasuga Station, or Suidobashi Station.

🏢 Features: Famous for its natural hot spring drawn from deep underground, and its late-night spa zone.

🛍 You’ll also find a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, fashion stores, and lifestyle shops.

🏛️Bunkyo Civic Center (文京シビックセンター)

Bunkyo Civic Center is a complex building in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, housing the local government office and cultural facilities.
Although it is an administrative building, it is also popular with tourists for good reasons.

📍 Location & Access
Address: 1-16-21 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Access:　A 1-minute walk from Korakuen Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and Namboku Line)
Direct connection from Kasuga Station (Toei Mita Line and Oedo Line)

👀 Highlight: Observation Lounge (Free Admission)
From the observation lounge on the 25th floor, you can enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo!
On clear days, you may see the skyscrapers of Shinjuku, Tokyo Skytree, and even Mount Fuji in the distance.
Admission is free, and the lounge is easily accessible by elevator.

😈Konnyaku Enma (こんにゃくえんま)

Konnyaku Enma is a legendary statue of Enma located in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo.
Enma-sama is known in Japanese folklore as the judge who decides the fate of souls in the afterlife.

According to legend, Konnyaku Enma sacrificed one of his eyes to grant the wish of an old woman who suffered from an eye disease.
Because of this, Konnyaku Enma is believed to have the power to heal eye illnesses.

In gratitude, the old woman offered Enma his favorite food, konnyaku (a jelly-like food made from konjac).
This story is the origin of the statue’s name.