Japan is no doubt on everyone’s travel bucket list because of its alluring rich culture, mouth-watering food, and incredible infrastructure but that’s not the only thing Japan has to boast about. Tokyo has a lot to offer other than what it’s commonly known for. The city is home to some of the most beautiful gardens in the world. The incredibly landscaped parks are a true delight and the enormous efforts to maintain them are appreciated by all. So pack your bags, write up your Tokyo itinerary and include these memorable gardens in your list.
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1. Shinjuku Gyoen
Take a break from the bustling fervour of Tokyo and relax at the stunning Shinjuku Gyen that is a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station. The biggest and most well-known park in Tokyo is also home to a large number of cherry trees making it one of the best locations or a hanami spot to admire the beauty of the cherry blossom. Shinjuku Gyen is comprised of three various gardens - a Japanese landscape garden where you can see a Kyu Goryotei, large ponds, and bridges while the French garden and the English landscape garden features extensive flowering cherry trees and other amenities such as a restaurant, an information centre, an art gallery and a greenhouse.
Shinjuku Gyoen
Hours: 9:00 to 16:30 (entry until 16.00)
Fee: 200 JYP (1.80 USD)
Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
Website: Shinjuku Gyoen
2. Hama Rikyu
Hama Rikyu is like an oasis in the heart of the busy business district and skyline towers of Shiodome area in Tokyo. This garden illustrates how the modern and traditional infrastructures can blend in together in a commercialised setting. Hama Rikyu is exceptionally beautiful in any season because of the variety of trees and flowers that are grown in the garden. One of the few unique attractions in this garden is the 300 years old sprawling pine tree at the northern otemon (“main gate”) that has been carefully kept and maintained since the ancient times. There is also a pond that is connected to the mouth of Sumida River, so the pond water reflects the flow of the river and it features a teahouse where guests can relax and admire the beauty of the garden with a cup of matcha and Japanese sweets.
Hama Rikyu
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16.30)
Fee: 300 JPY (2.60 USD)
Address: 1-1 Hamarikyuteien, Chūō, Tokyo 104-0046, Japan
Website: Hama Rikyu
3. Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden
Not far from Hama-Rikyu, Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden is another famous traditional landscape garden in central Tokyo that is surrounded by modern architecture and tall skyscrapers. It has a central pond called Sensui that is comprised of smaller islands that can be reached by bridges. Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden is also known for its stonework, a karetaki made from stones can be seen from Oyama hill which is the highest point of the park.
Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Fee: 150 JPY (1.30 USD)
Address: 1 Chome Kaigan, Minato, Tokyo 105-0022, Japan
Website: Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden
4. Rikugien
One of the most beautiful gardens in Tokyo is the Rikugien Garden located at Bunkyo-ku. This garden is massive and it might take an hour to fully explore the serene forests and lawns. Similarly to other gardens, there is a large central pond, man-made hills and the Fukiage Chaya teahouse where you can have some tea for 510 yen (4.51 USD). The best season to visit is during autumn to witness the vivid hues of the maple trees and in spring to see the cherry trees. If you’re lucky enough to be in Tokyo during these seasons, you will even get to see these trees illuminated at night.
Rikugien
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16.30)
Fee: 300 JPY (2.60 USD)
Address: 6 Chome-16-３ Honkomagome, Bunkyō, Tokyo 113-0021, Japan
Website: Rikugien
Tokyo Tour Guide
Ayano
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5. Hotel New Otani Garden
Hotel New Otani Garden is a hidden sanctuary in Hotel New Otani Tokyo. As of 2018, Hotel New Otani Garden has been ranked fifth in the top-20 list of “Best Free Attractions in Japan” by TripAdvisor. This popular 10-acre garden (47,800 yards) has a 6 metres (7 yards) giant waterfall, a pond that is a habitat for almost 300 carps and 4 restaurants. It also features ancient stone lanterns, arched bridges, and an extensive range of flowers that bloom as the season changes. If you want to take a break, visit this quaint garden that is free of charge and is open for anyone.
Hotel New Otani Garden
Hours: 6:00 to 22:00
Fee: Free
Address: 4-１ Kioicho, Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-0094, Japan
Website: Hotel New Otani Garden
6. Happo-en
Happo-en means “beautiful from all angles,” or “garden of eight views,” and it is true indeed. This Japanese garden features conserved bonsai trees that are decades old and the oldest one is 520 years old. Along with the koi-filled pond, it is also surrounded by maple and cherry trees that are charming whether it is summer or winter. Nowadays, this tranquil garden is a famous spot for wedding parties, banquets and a teahouse whereby the visitors can participate in traditional tea drinking ceremonies.
Happo-en
Hours: 10:00-22:00
Fee: Free
Address: 1 Chome-1-１ Shirokanedai, Minato, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan
Website: Happo-en
7. Tokyo National Museum Garden
Aside from the famous museum, Tokyo National Museum also boasts of a traditional Japanese garden that comprises of six historical tea houses that are from different regions in Japan. However, this garden is open only in November and during the cherry blossom season. This is because it is one of the best spots for a midday stroll during these particular seasons.
Tokyo National Museum Garden
Hours: 10:00 - 16:00
Fee: Free with regular museum admission fee
Address: 1 Chome-16-１５ Uenosakuragi, Taitō, Tokyo 110-0002, Japan
Website: Tokyo National Museum
8. Imperial Palace East Gardens
In the Imperial Palace, the East Garden is the only place that is open to the public. Since this garden is enormous, you’ll find diverse styles such as Japanese and Western ones. Walking through this garden is a perfect way to escape the busy surroundings and it will give you a taste of history through the castle’s remaining foundation. There are other attractions like the Ninomaru pond where rare aquatic plants can be seen and because this garden is spacious, it is also one of the spots where cherry blossom viewing parties are held.
Imperial Palace East Gardens
Hours: 9:00 to 16:30
Fee: Free
Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
Website: Imperial Palace East Gardens
9. Kiyosumi Teien
Just like other traditional Japanese gardens, Kiyosumi Tieien is a historic garden in Fukagawa. It was once a residence of a merchant during the Edo era before it was remodelled to be a garden. History makes its presence felt in this place as the Taisho Memorial Hall is located near the entrance. Aside from its rich cultural background, it is also known for the several valuable landscape stones that were imported from various parts of Japan. Instead of arch bridges, you may cross the large pond on these stepping stones. Keep a lookout for the fishes and turtles beneath. This garden also features a tea house and a traditional Japanese restaurant that needs reservations beforehand.
Kiyosumi Teien
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Fee: 150 JPY (1.30 USD)
Address: Kiyosumi 2, 3 - chome, Koto Ward, Tokyo
Website: Kiyosumi Teien
10. Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
One of Tokyo’s oldest and well-preserved gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen garden replicates both Japanese and Chinese landscapes through stones, ponds, trees, and small man-made hills. To fully experience the garden’s scenery, there are walking trails to guide the visitors along the way. Although it is best to visit during the fall or the cherry blossom season, this garden is still impeccably charming all year round because of the eye-catching and vibrant maple trees. Even though it is situated in the middle of the metropolis, the garden’s atmosphere remains serene and quiet.
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Fee: 300 JPY (2.60 USD)
Address: 1-6-6 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Website: Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
Japan - where the old meets the new
These gardens in Tokyo symbolises how modern and traditional concepts blend and coexist together. Despite Japan’s urbanised setting, these gardens are capable of promoting peace, serenity, and history. By visiting these places, you will learn more about Tokyo’s rich background through the gardens that embodies it.
History
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