Top 3 Reasons to visit Korakuen Area
※updated on June 18 2025
According to one data, baseball is the most popular spectator sport in Japan. In the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC), Team Japan defeated the United States in the final, proving that Japan’s national team possesses both global popularity and world-class talent. At the heart of Japan's professional baseball scene is its most historic and beloved team—the Yomiuri Giants. Their home stadium, the Tokyo Dome, is located in the Korakuen area of central Tokyo.
Korakuen is more than just a destination for baseball fans. The area features a wide range of attractions that make it one of Tokyo’s top amusement zones. Next to Tokyo Dome, you'll find the Tokyo Dome City Attractions, where visitors can enjoy thrilling rides like roller coasters and a Ferris wheel. For relaxation, there’s Spa LaQua, a natural hot spring and shopping complex. Sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike will enjoy the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, which showcases the legacy of Japanese baseball.
Just a short walk away is the Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, one of the oldest and most beautiful daimyo (feudal lord) gardens in Tokyo, offering a peaceful escape amidst the city’s buzz.
On weekends and holidays, the Korakuen area attracts people of all ages—from children to adults—who come to experience entertainment, nature, and culture in one location. It’s also home to several historic shrine.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 3 reasons why you should add Korakuen Area to your Tokyo travel itinerary.
1) Dive into the Entertainment Wonderland of Tokyo Dome City
Located in Bunkyo city in central Tokyo, Tokyo Dome City is one of the city's largest all-in-one entertainment complexes. Centered around the iconic Tokyo Dome, which hosts professional baseball games, concerts, and large-scale events, the complex also includes Tokyo Dome City Attractions, the natural hot spring and spa facility Spa LaQua, a shopping mall, and a variety of restaurants.
The Tokyo Dome is the home stadium of the legendary Yomiuri Giants, Japan’s most historic and popular professional baseball team. In recent years, Japanese baseball games have become more entertaining with music, performances, and light shows between innings—making it enjoyable even for those unfamiliar with the sport. Whether you're a baseball fan, a sports enthusiast, or simply curious about Japanese sports culture, a visit to a game is highly recommended.
Tokyo Dome City Attractions is a theme park where admission is free, and you only pay for the rides you want to experience. One of the highlights is the thrilling Thunder Dolphin roller coaster, which reaches speeds of up to 130 km/h (about 81 mph) and features an 80-degree drop. The Big-O Ferris Wheel offers a 15-minute aerial ride, with breathtaking views of Tokyo Dome and Koishikawa Korakuen Garden—a must-see for sightseeing.
In total, there are over 20 different attractions, offering a uniquely urban amusement park experience. It's a family-friendly destination that also appeals to couples and thrill-seekers alike.
After the excitement, unwind at Spa LaQua, which features natural hot springs, saunas, and relaxation spaces. Whether you're in the mood for shopping, gourmet dining, rides, or a hot bath, Tokyo Dome City is the perfect place to spend a full and fulfilling day during your Tokyo trip.
2) Experience the Rich History of Baseball
Tokyo Dome, opened in 1988, is Japan’s first fully-roofed multipurpose stadium and the centerpiece of Tokyo Dome City. As the home of the Yomiuri Giants, Japan’s most historic professional baseball team, the dome also hosts sports games, concerts, exhibitions, and other major events throughout the year. With a seating capacity of up to 50,000 spectators, it stands as one of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks and must-visit destinations for sports fans and tourists alike.
For baseball enthusiasts, the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum next to Tokyo Dome is an unmissable attraction. The museum showcases the history of Japanese baseball, legendary players, rare uniforms, memorabilia, and archival footage—perfect for those interested in diving deeper into Japan’s beloved national sport.
Don’t miss the “Nagashima Gate”, named in honor of legendary player Shigeo Nagashima. The gate features monuments and artwork celebrating his achievements and serves as a symbolic entrance for fans and visitors to feel the deep-rooted passion Japan holds for baseball.
Surrounding the stadium, you’ll find a variety of official merchandise stores, restaurants, and attractions that offer a complete experience before or after a game. Even on non-event days, visitors can explore the massive stadium, take photos, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Tokyo Dome and its nearby facilities offer a rare chance to experience Japanese sports, culture, and history in one place. If you're looking for an authentic and uniquely Japanese experience in the heart of Tokyo, Tokyo Dome City is a perfect stop on your itinerary.
3) Immerse Yourself in Traditional Japanese Culture at Koishikawa Korakuen
Just steps away from the bustling Tokyo Dome, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is one of Tokyo’s oldest and most historically significant Japanese gardens. Built in the early Edo period by Tokugawa Yorifusa, the first lord of the Mito Domain, the garden was later completed by his son, Tokugawa Mitsukuni. The garden’s name, “Korakuen,” was inspired by Chinese Confucian philosophy, symbolizing the idea of “finding joy after others’ happiness.”
Designed in the strolling-style landscape garden (kaiyu-shiki) tradition, the garden centers around a large pond and features miniature representations of mountains, rivers, and natural scenery. Visitors can fully immerse themselves in Japan’s seasonal beauty—cherry blossoms in spring, irises in early summer, vivid autumn foliage, and serene snowy views in winter.
One of the garden’s highlights is the Daisensui (Great Pond), with its artful arrangement of small islands, arched bridges, and carefully placed pine and maple trees. The setting creates a breathtaking, almost painterly scene. The garden also features elements modeled after Chinese landmarks, such as West Lake (Xi Hu) and the Engetsu Bridge, showcasing the historical cultural exchange between Japan and China.
Despite its central Tokyo location, Koishikawa Korakuen offers a tranquil escape from the city’s noise. It’s a rare place where visitors can experience nature, history, and culture all in one spot. For travelers seeking to discover Japan’s traditional beauty in a quiet and authentic setting, this hidden gem is not to be missed.
※ Additional spots
Art Exploration in Tokyo Dome City: Discover Public Art in the Heart of Tokyo
Tokyo Dome City isn’t just a place for baseball and amusement rides—it’s also home to a variety of public art installations scattered throughout the complex. While exploring the area, you can enjoy an open-air art walk filled with imagination and color. Here are a few highlights you won’t want to miss:
·Cosmos Flower
Inspired by the idea of a flower blooming in outer space, this large-scale sculpture captures attention with its sheer size and mysterious simplicity. Its abstract form leaves a lasting impression and is easy to spot while strolling through the park.
·Red Flower
Located near Suidobashi Station, this artwork resembles a bright red flower. With its soft, almost clay-like texture, it feels as if a child molded it by hand. The charming and whimsical design adds warmth and playfulness to the urban landscape.
·Re-sortir
This wall mural’s title means "a place to return to again and again" in French. Walk toward the deck along the path and you’ll find a surreal scene: three massive women emerging from the wall beside the waterfront. This striking piece offers a moment of reflection and wonder amid the city buzz.
Whether you're an art lover or simply exploring the area, Tokyo Dome City’s artistic touches offer a unique and Instagram-worthy experience in the middle of Tokyo.
Hakusan Shrine: Hydrangeas and Spiritual Serenity in Tokyo
Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood of Bunkyo city, Hakusan Shrine is a beautiful and historically significant Shinto shrine known especially for its Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival (Ajisai Matsuri) held in June. During the festival, over 3,000 vibrant hydrangea plants bloom throughout the shrine grounds, attracting both locals and tourists seeking a seasonal spectacle.
Founded during the Heian era, Hakusan Shrine is revered as a place for blessings in love, health, and academic success.
The serene and peaceful atmosphere of the shrine offers a perfect escape from the city’s hustle, allowing visitors to experience the traditional beauty of a Japanese shrine in a quiet, contemplative setting. Conveniently located just a few minutes’ walk from Hakusan Station (Toei Mita Line) or Hon-Komagome Station (Tokyo Metro Namboku Line), it is easily accessible from central Tokyo.
Whether you're interested in Japanese gardens, historical shrines, or unique cultural experiences, Hakusan Shrine offers a peaceful and photogenic spot that reflects both the beauty of Japan’s seasons and its deep-rooted spiritual heritage.
The name "Korakuen" is derived from a Confucian ideal that leaders should worry before the people and enjoy only after the people have found joy. True to this philosophy, Korakuen is now a place filled with entertainment and enjoyment. If you're visiting Tokyo, we highly recommend spending time in this vibrant area.
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