Hidden in the beautiful garden of Yoyogi Park near Meiji Shrine lies the small sacred well of the warrior Kato Kiyomasa, who lived at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries.

I definitely recommend a visit to this historical monument from the Edo period - not only for the spring itself, but especially for the beautifully landscaped gardens.

Is the park and spring worth a visit?

✅ Yes, if:

you're looking for a peaceful zen place
you are in the western part of Tokyo
you don't mind paying the entrance fee in cash

❌ No, if:

you have limited time in Tokyo and are looking for more iconic places
you're looking forward to a nice spring (I liked the gardens more than the well itself)

The Sacred Spring

The Kiyomisa Well has unusual physical properties and is therefore considered sacred.

The temperature of the water is 15 °C throughout the year, in winter and summer
It produces a constant 60 litres of water per minute for many decades in a row

The spring itself is small and not very photogenic. Moreover, long queues often form at the spring during the day.

Kiyomasa Well

Relax in the peaceful gardens

Despite this, I would definitely recommend a visit to the Kiyomasa well area.

The gardens, with their many streams and ponds and beautifully landscaped azaleas, bonsai and other plants, are one of the most peaceful places in Tokyo.