Researched guide · Checked on Oct 20, 2026
Step off Ryogoku’s busy streets and into a small, peaceful garden built around a heart-shaped pond that once rose and fell with the tide of the Sumida River. Kyu-Yasuda Garden sits right next to the Japanese Sword Museum and a short walk from the sumo arena, so it is an easy quiet stop between the Edo-Tokyo Museum, the Sumida Hokusai Museum and the sumo district.
Quick answer
Hours: 9:00–18:00 from October to March, 9:00–19:30 from April to September. After 16:30 only part of the garden is open.
Closed: December 29 – January 1.
Getting there: near Ryogoku Station (JR Sobu Line and Toei Oedo Line).
About the garden
The land became the residence of Honjo Munesuke, a feudal lord, in 1701, and he is said to have built the garden. Its central pond, shaped like the Japanese character for “heart” (kokoro), drew water from the Sumida River so the scenery changed with the tide. Today the tidal effect is recreated artificially. In 1891 the estate was bought by Yasuda Zenjiro, founder of the Yasuda financial group. After his death it was donated to the City of Tokyo, restored after the 1923 earthquake, and opened to the public in 1927. It is a Tokyo-designated Place of Scenic Beauty and covers about 14,200 m².
Things to know
- After 16:30 only part of the garden is open, and the garden is lit up after sunset.
- From August 24 to December 25, 2026 (planned), artworks for the Sumida art festival are on display around the Shinjitei rest house, so the view there looks different from usual.
- The Japanese Sword Museum is in the same grounds (separate admission).
How to get there
Address: 1-12-1 Yokoami, Sumida-ku. The nearest station is Ryogoku (JR Sobu Line and Toei Oedo Line). Toei buses (Ryo 28 and Kin 27) stop at “Kyu-Yasuda Teien”.
Nearby: the Edo-Tokyo Museum, the Sumida Hokusai Museum and the sumo arena. See our Ryogoku guide and sumo guide.
FAQ
What are Kyu-Yasuda Garden’s opening hours?
9:00–18:00 from October to March and 9:00–19:30 from April to September. Only part of the garden is open after 16:30.
When is it closed?
December 29 to January 1.
What is the nearest station?
Ryogoku Station on the JR Sobu Line and Toei Oedo Line.
What is special about the pond?
It was designed to change with the tide of the Sumida River. Today the tidal effect is recreated artificially.
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Sources
History, hours and access come from Sumida City’s official website (checked October 20, 2026). Please check before you go.
