The Strolling Pond Garden (Pond)

Reflected upon the green-shaded waters is a long history, a representative strolling pond garden of the Meiji period. Famous rocks and stones from all over the country are carefully arranged within the pond, and as you walk around, you can enjoy the myriad of seasonal landscapes. It is said that this garden was originally the mansion of the wealthy Edo-period merchant Kinokuniya Bunzaemon. Later, during the Kyoho era (1716-1735), it became the villa of the Kuzuke no Kami, the lord of Shimousa Province and Sekiyado Domain, and the prototype of the garden was established. In Meiji 11 (1878), Iwasaki Yataro acquired about 30,000 tsubo of land including this mansion, and planned to create a garden for the comfort of company employees and the entertainment of important guests. In Meiji 13 (1880), 'Fukagawa Shinmokuen' was officially completed and opened. Since then, the garden has been continuously improved, with water drawn from the Sumida River into the pond, artificial hills constructed, and famous stones collected from all over the country arranged around, completing the construction of the 'Strolling Pond Garden' representative of the Meiji gardens. After the Great Kanto Earthquake, in Taisho 13 (1924), the Iwasaki family donated the less damaged eastern half to the city of Tokyo, and 'Kiyosumi Gardens' began to be restored and rebuilt, opening as a Tokyo city park in July of Showa 7 (1932). In Showa 52 (1977), the western side of the garden adjacent to the park was also opened to the public. On March 31, Showa 54 (1979), 'Kiyosumi Gardens' was designated as a scenic spot of Tokyo. Additionally, Kiyosumi Gardens served as a refuge during the Great Kanto Earthquake in Taisho 12 (1923) and the air raids in March of Showa 20 (1945), saving many lives.