The origin of this scenic garden can be traced back to the early Edo Period (1629), when the founder of Mito clan, Yorifusa, started to build it at his residence, although it was his successor Mitsukuni who brought the construction to completion.

The garden design is heavily influenced by the philosophy of Confuciuian scholar "Shu Shunsui" of the Ming Dynasty, China, and is supposed to bear resemblance to a typically Chinese scenic area.

Smack at the center of the park is a small lake surrounded by strolling paths. Guests will enjoy the view of condensed version of natural scenes with ponds, mountains, lakes and fields, from varying angles. "Tokyo Dome" baseball stadium looming above the treeline strikes an impressive contrast with the traditional gardenscape.

Korakuen was designated as both a Special Historical Asset and Special Historical Site by the Law on Protection of Cultural Properties in March of 1952. This is the only national park in Tokyo besides Hamarikyu Onshi Teien to receive this double honor .

Throughout the rest of Japan, five more spots have been granted this double honor. Those are Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji, and Daigoji-sanpoin in Kyoto, the Heijo-kyo Palace Garden in Nara, and Isukushima in Hiroshima.