Video Narration Script

The planning and construction of Koishikawa Korakuen
began in 1629 by order of Yorifusa Tokugawa,
the founder of the Mito branch of the Tokugawa family.

Construction of the garden was completed
by Yorifusa’s successor, Mitsukuni Tokugawa
and his influence can be seen in features of the garden
that were derived from Chinese culture.

Besides being Tokyo’s oldest garden,
it has also been designated as
an important historical asset
and a site of special historical significance.

The reflection of the arch of this bridge
on the water beneath it, forms a perfect circle
that is said to be reminiscent of the shape of a full moon.
The name Engetsu Kyo means literally full moon bridge.

Hakke Do once enshrined a cultural artifact
that Mitsukuni Tokugawa received from Iemitsu Tokugawa
when Mitsukuni was 7 years old.
Hakke Do was destroyed by a fire
caused by the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923.

When he was 18 years old, Mitsukuni Tokugawa
was inspired by a story from Chinese literature
to build Tokujin Do to enshrine a wooden statue of himself.

Kiyomizu Kannon Do was constructed
according to the image of Kyoto’s Kiyomizu Dera.
It was destroyed by fire due to
the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923.

Saigyo Do gets it’s name from a wooden statue
of a Buddhist priest that was once enshrined within.
It was destroyed by fire during World War II.

The architectural style and magnificent
wood carving that decorated the Kara Mon gate
was based on Chinese design.
It was destroyed by fire during World War II.

The Naitei or Inner Garden
once had a guest house that
was maintained by the Mito branch
of the Tokugawa family.
The Naitei was separated from the main garden
by the Kara Mon gate before it’s destruction.