オフィシャル

Hama-rikyu Gardens is a historic Japanese garden located in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. Originally built as a villa for the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period, it later became an imperial detached palace after the Meiji Restoration. Today, it is open to the public and serves as a rare spot where visitors can enjoy both natural beauty and historical charm right in the heart of the city. Its location near Ginza and Tsukiji makes it an easy addition to any Tokyo sightseeing itinerary.

Originally built as a secondary residence for the shogun, Hama-rikyu Gardens is characterized by its refined beauty and harmonious blend with nature. Centered around a vast pond, bridges and tea houses are arranged in a way that reflects Japanese aesthetics, unlike the gardens of European nobility. The many trees throughout the garden not only provide a sense of tranquility to visitors but also bloom with seasonal flowers, enhancing the beauty of the changing seasons.

Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the garden’s highlights.

The Otemon Gate, one of two gates

Hama-rikyu Gardens has two entrances: the Otemon Gate and the Nakanogomon Gate. The 300-Year-Old Pine Tree, a symbolic feature of the garden, welcomes visitors entering from the Otemon Gate. Said to have been planted around 300 years ago, this majestic tree stands as a testament to the garden’s long history.

The 300-Year-Old Pine Tree

A short walk from the 300-Year-Old Pine Tree, this area showcases seasonal plants and flowers. In spring, the garden is especially enchanting with its beautiful plum blossoms in full bloom. There is also a rest facility with benches where visitors can take a break during their stroll.

Flower and Tree Garden

The rest facility in Flower and Tree Garden

The garden is home to four tea houses: Nakajima-no-Ochaya (Island tea house), Matsu-no-Ochaya (Pine tree tea house), Tsubame-no-Ochaya (Swallow tea house), and Taka-no-Ochaya (Falcon tea house). These tea houses are special rooms designed for enjoying Japanese tea culture. Among them, Nakajima-no-Ochaya is a tea house floating on a tidal pond and is one of the most popular spots in the garden. At Nakajima-no-Ochaya, you can enjoy a set of matcha green tea and traditional Japanese sweets (for a fee).

Tsubame-no-Ochaya (Left) and Taka-no-Ochaya (Right)

Matsu-no-Ochaya seen from Ochin-Yama hill

One of Hama-rikyu’s unique features is its "tidal pond," which is connected to Tokyo Bay and allows seawater to flow in. This is the only remaining seawater pond in a garden built by a daimyo (a high-ranking samurai) during the Edo period within Tokyo. The water level varies with the tides, altering the scenery accordingly. Since the pond is connected to the sea, it also provides a habitat for marine fish—something rarely seen in other Japanese gardens.

Nakajima-no-Ochaya, the tea hause in the Tidal Pond

The garden features several small hills, including Ochin-Yama, Fujimi-Yama, or Shin-Hinokuchi-Yama, offering excellent views. From these elevated points, visitors can enjoy not only the garden’s landscape but also iconic Tokyo landmarks such as Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower.

The Rainbow Bridge seen from Shin-Hinoguchi-Yama hill

During the Edo period, the shogun used these areas for duck hunting. The garden has two remaining duck hunting sites, a feature not found in other gardens built by a daimyo during the Edo period. One can imagine that this was a luxurious pastime reserved exclusively for the shogun. 

Koshin-do Kamoba, one of duck hanting sites

Hama-rikyu Gardens is located at the mouth of the Sumida River, facing Tokyo Bay. Surrounded by the sea and moats, it could be described as a floating garden. There is evidence that shoguns occasionally visited by boat, and the "Shogun’s Landing Place" remains as a historical site within the garden. In addition to entering the garden on foot through the two main entrances, visitors can also arrive via waterbus. The waterbus boarding area is near the Shogun’s Landing Place, allowing visitors to perhaps experience a bit of the shogun’s perspective.

Shogun’s Landing Place

The waterbus Boarding Area (Photographed in February 2024)

Located along the pathway from the waterbus boarding area to the Otemon Gate, this grove is one of the most vibrant areas of the garden in spring when the plum trees are in full bloom.

Plum Grove

This spacious lawn area provides a great place for relaxation. While the grass may look a bit withered in winter, it transforms into a lush green field when new shoots appear. With no cars or bicycles to worry about, even small children can play safely. There is another open space within the garden, called the Yagai-taku Hiroba (Outdoor Table Open Space), both gardens allow visitors to lay down picnic blankets. Bringing a packed lunch and enjoying a picnic here with family can be a delightful experience.

Uchibori Open Space

In the flower fields, the rapeseed flowers spread across the area in spring, creating a beautiful yellow landscape. In autumn, the rapeseed flowers are replaced by blooming cosmos. It is a perfect spot for photography. Near the flower fields, there is also a peony garden.

Flower Field

Beyond the locations introduced here, Hama-rikyu Gardens has many more fascinating spots. Each person can find their own way to enjoy the garden, and its beauty changes with the seasons. You can drop by for a short visit during your trip or take your time and relax without worrying about the clock. I highly recommend visiting at least once to experience its charm for yourself.

Opening Hours, Holidays, and Admission Fees

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)

Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 – January 1)

Admission Fees:

Adults: 300 yen

Seniors (65 and older): 150 yen

Elementary school students and younger, as well as middle school students residing or studying in Tokyo: Free

Access

Address: 1-1 Hama-rikyu Gardens, Chuo City, Tokyo

Nearest Stations:

Toei Oedo Line: 7-minute walk from Shiodome Station or Tsukiji-Shijo Station

JR / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Toei Asakusa Line: 12-minute walk from Shimbashi Station

Yurikamome Line: 7-minute walk from Shiodome Station

Waterbus: You can also access the garden via waterbus from areas such as Sumida River and Odaiba.

For additional details, visit: TOKYO CRUISE