Tokyo Sightseeing – An Explanation of the Highlights and Access of “Hama-rikyu Gardens,” an Oasis in the Big Metropolis!

“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 created by the surrounding Shiodome skyscrapers and the pure Japanese garden that still retains an Edo atmosphere—and the feeling of a Japanese garden in the heart of Tokyo, enjoyed at the central pond and teahouse—is exceptional.

In this article, using photos the author actually took, we introduce the charms of “Hama-rikyu Gardens.”

The Charms of “Hama-rikyu Gardens”

The Beautiful Edo Garden (Japanese Garden), Perfect for a Stroll with Your Precious Person

This is a grand daimyo garden full of dignity, with 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, letting you feel the rich Japanese atmosphere, the green of the trees, and the flowers with each step.

On its vast grounds, a relaxed promenade is maintained, offering quiet, comfortable time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Because you can walk calmly and gently while looking at nature, you can spend soothing time together with your precious people—whether walking with the whole family, 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 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. While looking out over the pond spreading before your eyes, you can enjoy a set of seasonal fresh Japanese sweets and matcha. It is a comfortable space for a pleasant break during your stroll.

The tea sweets of Nakajima no Ochaya are colorful sweets where Japanese sweetness shines, and the matcha enjoyed with them is atmospheric and deep in flavor—truly a moment that feels distinctly Japanese.

The Pairing of Hamamatsucho and Shiodome Skyscrapers with the Green Trees of the Japanese Garden

One of the charms is that you can enjoy a unique view where the futuristic skyscrapers of Shiodome and Hamamatsucho tower majestically behind the historic, pure Japanese garden. The pairing of lush traditional pines and trees with modern skyscraper architecture goes beyond a mere mismatch and creates a striking contrast.

The scene where the solemn Japanese atmosphere continuing from the Edo period and cutting-edge urban beauty come together beautifully in 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 said to have been planted when the 6th Shogun Tokugawa Ienobu extensively renovated the garden. The spectacular 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.

From the water’s edge, where lush Japanese garden scenery spreads, looking out at the waterway leading to the sea past the modern Takeshiba skyscrapers beyond the water gate 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—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, so you can drop by casually amid 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.”

FAQ for “Hama-rikyu Gardens”

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 city where the history of the Edo period and modern urban beauty coexist in striking contrast. While feeling the atmosphere of the prestigious Japanese garden linked to the Shogun family, a special space unfolds where you can spend time leisurely, forgetting the hustle and bustle of the city.

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 catch your breath during Tokyo sightseeing or enjoy a quiet, comfortable walk, please step into “Hama-rikyu Gardens” and experience the elegant moment where past and present merge.