The grounds of Kiyosumi Teien (清澄庭園) were originally the residence of an Edo era merchant, and eventually changed ownership to a feudal lord who turned them into a garden. During the Meiji Period the founder of Mitsubishi bought the garden to entertain his guests. It was contributed to the city of Tokyo and opened to the public in 1932.
A highlight of the Kiyosumi Teien landscape garden are the many stones set around the grounds. Landscape stones are highly sought after and valuable, and some of the ones in the garden are famous stones that were acquired from all across Japan.
When strolling the garden's grounds be sure to venture across the stepping stone paths that are set in the water. This is called "isowatari", and from the stones you can see fish and turtles under the surface of the pond as well as reflections of the garden in the water.
Halfway around the garden is the teahouse styled Ryotei, a traditional Japanese restaurant (reservations required), that appears to hover over the water from across the pond. Near the garden entrance is the Taisho Kinenkan, a memorial hall of Emperor Taisho.
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