Gyosen Park

Elegant gardens and ponds grace a scenic park filled with hundreds of irises in summer, while the zoo lets you get close to pandas and monkeys.

Gyosen Park is an urban set of picturesque grounds featuring an ornamental pond and a zoo that houses fun and cuddly animals. A popular picnic site, the park is strikingly attractive year round due to its variety of floral displays and rock gardens. Take a break from the hubbub of city life in this serene and picturesque haven.

Admire the large, circular fountain and sit for a while on its edges, while listening to the soothing patter of its jets. Spot the ducks grazing and resting on the grass near the fishing pond and watch some of the locals patiently awaiting the day’s catch. In early summer, the park’s countless irises bloom in brilliant colors.

Nearby, find the ornamental pond, which is adorned with large rocks and framed by trees and shrubs. Wander through the Heisei Garden which showcases a traditional Japanese layout dating back to 1989. Sip hot drinks in the Genshinan teahouse and let your kids have fun at the playground.

Head to the zoo with your family and marvel at the red pandas, giant anteaters and red-necked wallabies. You’ll see Humboldt penguins, monkeys and dogs among the collection in this charming zoo. Bring the kids to the petting area, so they can pick up and caress rabbits and guinea pigs. Explore the underwater section, which has an array of fish and other aquatic creatures from the Edogawa Ward.

Enter the park and its zoo for free. It was inaugurated in the 1950s, after being donated to the city by affluent landowner Genji Tanaka.

Find Gyosen Park in the southern part of Edogawa Ward. Ride the metro to the Nishi-Kasai Station, a 15-minute walk south of the park. While you’re in the neighborhood, check out other nearby attractions such as the Naka River, the Tower Hall Funabori and Funabori Park.