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“Hama-rikyu Gardens” is a place where rich greenery and a vast pond spread, despite being right in the middle of Tokyo. The unique landscape woven by the surrounding Shiodome skyscraper clusters and the pure Japanese garden retaining Edo atmosphere, and the emotion of the Japanese garden inside Tokyo enjoyed at the central pond and teahouse is supreme.
I wonder if there is a park in Tokyo where you can walk or rest at a relaxed pace?
Although it costs a small admission fee, “Hama-rikyu Gardens” is highly recommended. It is a garden linked to the Tokugawa family, and its vast grounds are packed with the greenery and deep beauty of a Japanese garden.
In this article, based on the photos actually taken by the author, we will introduce the charms of “Hama-rikyu Gardens.”
The Charms of “Hama-rikyu Gardens”
The Beautiful Garden Beauty of Edo (Japanese Garden), Perfect for a Stroll with Your Precious Person
This is a grand daimyo garden full of dignity, holding a history as the falconry grounds and a villa for the Tokugawa Shogun family, and also designated as a National Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Special Historic Site. Beautiful trees and flowers are arranged within the garden to surround the pond, allowing you to feel the emotion-rich Japanese style, the green of the trees, and the flowers each time you take a step.
On its vast grounds, a relaxed promenade is maintained, characterized by a quiet and comfortable time cut off from the hustle and bustle of the city. Because you can walk calmly and gently while looking at nature, you can spend a healing time together with your precious people, such as walking with the whole family, walking as a couple, or taking a stroll with close friends.
You can spend an elegant and comfortable moment that makes you forget you are in the center of Tokyo.
A Luxury Matcha Experience Savoring at “Nakajima no Ochaya” Floating on the Pond
“Nakajima no Ochaya” sits almost in the center of the pond, past the Otsutaibashi bridge which stands as if gliding on the water surface. While looking at the water surface of the pond spreading in front of your eyes, you can enjoy a set of seasonal fresh Japanese sweets and matcha. It is a comfortable space to spend a moment of your stroll pleasantly.
The tea sweets of Nakajima no Ochaya are colorful sweets where the Japanese sweetness stands out, and the matcha enjoyed together with them is atmospheric and deep in flavor—truly a moment where you feel the Japanese style.
The Collaboration of Hamamatsucho and Shiodome Skyscraper Clusters with the Green Trees of the Japanese Garden
One of the charms is that you can enjoy a unique view where the futuristic skyscraper clusters of Shiodome and Hamamatsucho tower majestically in the background of the historic, pure Japanese garden. The collaboration of the green of the lush traditional pine and trees with the skyscrapers of modern architecture goes beyond a sense of mismatch and draws a good contrast.
The scene where the solemn Japanese atmosphere continuing from the Edo period and the cutting-edge urban beauty fit beautifully into a single view has a special beauty that looks great in photos.
Savoring Seasonal Nature in the Center of the City: “Rich Flowers and the Three-Hundred-Year Pine”
Within the garden is the “Three-Hundred-Year Pine,” one of the largest in Tokyo, which is handed down to have been planted when the 6th Shogun Tokugawa Ienobu extensively renovated the garden. The spectacular pine pattern of its trunk and branches is worth seeing.
The flower field near the “Otemon” gate of Hama-rikyu is famous for having about 300,000 canola flowers in spring and “Kibana Cosmos (orange and yellow cosmos)” blooming all over from summer to autumn.
You Can Overlook the Pier from the Garden
You can also overlook the scenery of the pier (boat dock) from up close within the garden.
Looking at the waterway leading to the sea from the modern skyscraper clusters of the Takeshiba area that spreads beyond the water gate, from the water’s edge where the green-rich Japanese style spreads, is also one of the hidden charms of Hama-rikyu.
Location and Access of “Hama-rikyu Gardens”
Location
Located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, it has good access, being about a 15-minute walk from Shimbashi Station and Hamamatsucho Station, and about a 7-minute walk from Shiodome Station and Tsukijishijo Station. It is close to the Tsukiji, Shiodome, and Ginza areas, allowing you to drop by casually in between Tokyo sightseeing.
It is recommended to enter from the “Otemon” gate. Since the ticket office is right near the gate, you pay the admission fee and enter.
Photo Gallery of “Hama-rikyu Gardens”
Please enjoy the photos of “Hama-rikyu Gardens.”
Shot in June 2026: “Hama-rikyu Gardens” history, standing next to the “Otemon” gate.
Shot in June 2026: The ticket office and entrance (the part where you enter) of “Hama-rikyu Gardens.”
Shot in June 2026: Inside the garden of “Hama-rikyu Gardens”—the beauty of the green and the contrast with the skyscrapers visible beyond it are also beautiful.
Shot in June 2026: Inside the garden of “Hama-rikyu Gardens,” a large tree right after entering.
Shot in June 2026: The Shiodome skyscraper clusters looking particularly large.
Shot in June 2026: Guide map inside the garden of “Hama-rikyu Gardens.” Walking all the way around takes about 1 hour.
Shot in June 2026: Bronze statue of the God of War, Umashimade no Mikoto.
Shot in June 2026: A teahouse standing by the pond. Multiple teahouses stand in “Hama-rikyu Gardens.” (Only “Nakajima no Ochaya” operates as a cafe).
Shot in June 2026: You can view the inside of one of the teahouses.
Shot in June 2026: A teahouse with beautiful glass doors, looking beautiful as you can see the tatami room inside.
Shot in June 2026: Souvenirs sold at “Nakajima no Ochaya.” Small items such as tenugui hand towels are sold.
Shot in June 2026: The wooden bridge over the pond also has atmosphere.
Shot in June 2026: A small hill inside “Hama-rikyu Gardens”—the climb is quite steep and slightly sloped. There is a bench at the top, but that is all.
Shot in June 2026: The middle pond is larger than imagined, and there is also something to feel in the way the buildings visible beyond it reflect on the water surface.
FAQ for “Hama-rikyu Gardens”
Question
How much is the admission fee?
Answer
The general rate is 300 yen.
Question
Please tell me the business hours and closed days.
Answer
The park is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry is until 4:30 PM). It is closed only during the New Year holidays, and basically open year-round.
Question
Can I enter the park with a pet?
Answer
You cannot enter the park with a pet.
Question
Can I spread out a leisure sheet to eat a bento box or drink alcohol in the garden?
Answer
Drinking alcohol, banquets, and using leisure sheets around the trees are prohibited on the premises. In order to maintain the landscape of the garden and its environment as a cultural property, please refrain from sitting down to eat and drink or bringing in alcohol, and enjoy resting quietly on the benches.
Summary: “Hama-rikyu Gardens”
Spreading right at the foot of the Shiodome skyscrapers in the very middle of Tokyo, “Hama-rikyu Gardens” is truly an oasis in the big metropolis where the history of the Edo period and modern urban beauty coexist with an amazing contrast. While feeling the atmosphere of the prestigious Japanese garden linked to the Shogun family, a special space spreads where you can spend time leisurely, forgetting the hustle and bustle of the city.
- Beautiful Edo Daimyo Garden: You can enjoy the prestigious Japanese style designated as a National Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Special Historic Site while strolling calmly with your precious people.
- Matcha Experience at Nakajima no Ochaya: At the teahouse located almost in the center of the large pond past the Otsutaibashi bridge, you can spend a luxurious moment tasting exquisite fresh sweets and matcha while looking at the beautiful water surface.
- Collaboration with Skyscraper Clusters: The futuristic skyscraper clusters of Shiodome and Hamamatsucho, towering beyond the traditional pine and garden greenery, create a unique and attractive view.
- Three-Hundred-Year Pine and Seasonal Nature: You can be healed by the colorful nature spreading in the flower fields, such as the impressive giant tree linked to the 6th Shogun Tokugawa Ienobu, canola flowers in spring, and Kibana Cosmos in summer and autumn.
- Waterfront Scenery and Water Bus: The “Tokyo Mizube Line” departs from the pier inside the garden, allowing you to lazily look at the passing boats and the scenery of the modern waterfront in the Takeshiba area.
It has good access from stations, and is in an excellent location close to popular sightseeing areas such as nearby Tsukiji, Ginza, and Shiodome. When you want to take a breath during Tokyo sightseeing or when you want to enjoy a quiet and comfortable walk, please step into “Hama-rikyu Gardens” and experience the elegant moment where the past and present fuse.
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Author: Boon
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