Denboin Garden
A serene 17th-century temple garden, designed by Kobori Enshu, offering a tranquil escape behind Senso-ji Temple.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Gardens are typically open
Denboin Garden
Best Time
Gardens are typically open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 17th-century temple garden, designed by Kobori Enshu, offering a tranquil escape behind Senso-ji Temple.
"A peaceful and lesser-known spot in Asakusa, perfect for a quiet escape near the bustling Nakamise shopping street."
🎯 Verify Opening Dates
Garden access is limited. Always check official schedules before visiting to avoid disappointment.
🤫 Seek Tranquility
Escape the crowds of Senso-ji Temple for a peaceful moment of contemplation.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tranquil Pond Garden
Central garden area
A serene circuit-style garden with a large, two-section pond, designed by master Kobori Enshu.
Excavated Tomb
Garden grounds
Discover a piece of history with the ancient excavated tomb, adding a unique historical layer to the garden.
Pagoda Views
Various vantage points
Admire the traditional pagodas nestled within the lush greenery, offering picturesque photo opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Dates Carefully
Combine with Senso-ji Temple Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Verify Opening Dates
Garden access is limited. Always check official schedules before visiting to avoid disappointment.
🤫 Seek Tranquility
Escape the crowds of Senso-ji Temple for a peaceful moment of contemplation.
Senso-ji from Shibuya
📸 Capture the Scenery
Beautiful traditional landscaping and pagodas offer great photo ops.
Is 9-10am a good time to visit Sensoji Temple?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Verify Opening Dates
Garden access is limited. Always check official schedules before visiting to avoid disappointment.
🤫 Seek Tranquility
Escape the crowds of Senso-ji Temple for a peaceful moment of contemplation.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Beautiful traditional landscaping and pagodas offer great photo ops.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Denboin Garden is praised as a tranquil oasis behind the bustling Senso-ji Temple, offering beautiful traditional landscaping and historical elements. Visitors appreciate its serene atmosphere and the chance for quiet contemplation. However, many are disappointed by its limited opening periods, making advance verification crucial.
"Located behind the famous Sensō-ji Temple, Denboin Garden is a peaceful and lesser-known spot in Asakusa. Featuring traditional landscaping, small pagodas, and seasonal beauty, it's perfect for a quiet escape near the bustling Nakamise shopping street."
Oreste Gaspari
"Dembōin Teien, or Dembōin garden is a garden adjacent to the famous Senso-ji temple in Asakusa. It is pretty large and is one beautiful place in this Asakusa area. Being a private garden of Sensō-ji temple’s abbot it is normally not open to public, only open for a short time period each year usually from mid-March until early May. In the olden days it was only open to nobles.
The circuit-style garden is approximately 10,000 square meters and has as its main feature a two section large pond. The garden was designed by Kobori Enshu (1579–1647), who was a celebrated garden designer and tea-ceremony master, notable Japanese artist and aristocrat in the reign of the first shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543–1616, reign as shogun 1603–1605). He is famous for his design work for gardens all over Japan.
This is a very tranquil place in a busy environment in Asakusa area in Tokyo. A wonderful place for a moment of contemplation or just cooling down from your hectic day. At least once a year. But I heard it is open to public again sometime during autumn - need further information and confirmation though."
Ivan Patmadiwiria
"Walked 45 minutes to get there only to be told that the garden is only open on special occasions.
We were told none are scheduled for this year. 🤷♀️"
Lexie Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Shibuya, take the JR Yamanote Line to Ueno, then transfer to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Asakusa Station. Denboin Garden is located behind Senso-ji Temple.
Yes, Denboin Garden is situated directly behind Senso-ji Temple, making it very convenient to visit as part of your temple exploration.
The closest station is Asakusa Station, served by the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line, and Tobu Skytree Line.
While there might be parking lots near Senso-ji Temple, public transport is generally recommended due to potential congestion in the Asakusa area.
Yes, it's within walking distance of many Asakusa sights, including Nakamise-dori shopping street.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information on entrance fees can vary as the garden is only open for limited periods. It's best to check the official Senso-ji Temple website for the most current details.
Denboin Garden is typically open for a limited time each year, usually from mid-March to early May, and sometimes during autumn. Always confirm the exact dates.
No, the garden is not open year-round. It has specific, limited opening periods each year.
The most reliable way is to check the official website of Senso-ji Temple or inquire at the temple's information center.
The garden's opening is itself a special occasion. It's advisable to check for any unexpected closures or special event schedules.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for scenic views of the pond, the pagodas amidst the greenery, and the traditional landscaping. The contrast between the garden's tranquility and the distant Tokyo Skytree can also be striking.
Generally, photography is allowed, but it's always good practice to be respectful of other visitors and the serene atmosphere.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in temple grounds and gardens to ensure safety and preserve the peaceful environment.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing the photographic experience.
While not usually stated, avoid intrusive photography that disturbs the peace or other visitors.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can admire the traditional Japanese landscaping, the central pond, the excavated tomb, and the pagodas. It's a place for quiet contemplation and appreciating historical design.
A leisurely stroll through the garden typically takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on how long you wish to linger and enjoy the atmosphere.
Absolutely. It's known for its tranquility and offers a peaceful respite from the busy streets of Asakusa.
Basic facilities like restrooms are usually available near temple grounds. Benches are often provided for visitors to rest and enjoy the scenery.
The garden was designed by the renowned Kobori Enshu, a master garden designer and tea ceremony master from the 17th century.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key Tip: Ensure you confirm the garden is open on your planned date before bringing children, as a closed gate can lead to disappointment. Consider it a brief, serene stop after exploring the more dynamic Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise-dori.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Contemplatives
Recommendation: Visit during its limited opening periods to experience the meticulously designed landscape, the serene pond, and the historical elements. It's a place to slow down, appreciate the artistry of Japanese garden design, and enjoy a quiet moment away from the crowds of nearby Senso-ji Temple.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Kobori Enshu
Enshu's influence extended beyond garden design; he was also a highly respected tea ceremony master. This dual expertise likely informed his garden creations, imbuing them with a sense of ritual and mindfulness. His work can be found in numerous significant locations across Japan, and Denboin Garden stands as a prime example of his enduring legacy in landscape architecture. Visiting Denboin offers a chance to step into a space crafted by one of Japan's most influential historical figures.
A Fleeting Glimpse: Limited Access
This restricted access, stemming from its historical role as a private garden for the abbot of Senso-ji Temple, means visitors must be diligent in checking the current year's schedule. Many travelers have expressed disappointment after arriving only to find the garden closed.
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