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Relish Nature in Tokyo! 5 Gardens and Public Parks
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Tokyo is blessed with many gardens and public parks where citizens and visitors can refresh amid nature. We introduce some of the best parks in the city, including Japanese gardens celebrated for their beauty such as Rikugien Gardens and Hamarikyu Gardens.
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There are incredibly beautiful gardens tucked into the various corners of Japan. However, when your time is limited, traveling back and forth to the cornucopia of well-known gardens can be difficult.
Even in Tokyo, one of the world's largest cities, you can still find peaceful Japanese gardens that promise to give you a taste of ancient Japan. This time we would like to introduce you to five gardens, all within close proximity of each other, therefore saving you precious travel time in the process.
5 Tranquil Gardens and Public Parks in Tokyo
1. Hamarikyu Gardens
2. Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
3. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
4. Rikugien Gardens
5. Kiyosumi Garden
1. Hamarikyu Gardens
This extraordinary garden was built using reclaimed land from the sea, where salt water is converted into spring water. There is also a quirky tea shop within the grounds of the garden, where you can savor the aromatic fragrance of green tea and teacakes from within the premises. As well as traditional scenic views, you can also enjoy a modern-day setting of the metropolis in the form of tall skyscrapers, thus providing a view into a parallel universe where ancient modes and modernity collide.
This garden also offers a free speech-oriented guidance system allowing you to listen to information in either English, French, Chinese, Korean or Japanese.
2. Koishikawa Korakuen Garden
Found in close proximity to vibrant places such as Tokyo Dome and Kōrakuen amusement park, Koishikawa Kōrakuen Garden is a quiet and relaxing oasis, perfect for those who want to unwind. This tranquil, tree-filled space, boasts plum and cherry blossom trees, Japanese wisteria and irises; with this vast variety of flowers blooming in different seasons, you will surely be able to calm your inner-self and might even have a spiritual experience here.
There are also rice paddy fields within the grounds. If the timing is right, you could end up seeing local elementary school kids as they plant or harvest the rice.
3. The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
Conveniently located next to Tokyo station, you can do a loop of this prestigious garden in about an hour. There are many trees within the confines of this majestic place. It is especially beautiful during fall, as the autumn foliage takes center-stage, and the garden is equipped with a walking course that's perfect for viewing this autumnal display. There are also many historical remains, and a free museum where valuable pieces of art are exhibited. This garden is perfect for those who want to experience Japanese history and culture, and those who want to enjoy a peaceful walk.
4. Rikugien Gardens
Rikugien Garden is famous for its large pond. The Japanese garden is both bright and open, which will help you to feel bright and open in both mind and spirit.
The weeping cherry blossom trees stand an impressive 15 meters tall at the park's entrance and within the confines of the garden; they are a significant highlight, beautifully off-setting this tranquil space over the spring months.
During the cherry blossom season, the trees are lit up with night-time illuminations, where you will surely be impressed by the fantasy-like views that are so different from the afternoon appearance.
5. Kiyosumi Garden
The Kiyosumi Garden was originally a daimyo's residence during the Edo period (1603-1868), purchased by Mitsubishi's founder, Yataro Iwasaki, and opened to the public in 1891.
Subsequently, a pond was constructed with water from the Sumida River, and stones sourced from various regions of Japan were arranged to complete the garden known today as Kiyosumi Garden. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful landscapes woven by black pines and cross over the pond on stone steps at three locations.
Nearby attractions include the Tokyo Metropolitan Garden Art Museum and the Fukagawa Edo Museum, making it perfect for leisurely exploration.
Kiyosumi Garden
Address: Kiyosumi 3-3-9, Koto ward, Tokyo
Business Hours: 9:00 - 16:30 (closes at 17:00)
Admission fee: general 150 yen, seniors (over 65) 70 yen
Official website: Kiyosumi Garden (Japanese)
For those who need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, how about taking a walk over to one of these tranquil inner-city havens?
Written by
The MATCHA editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.
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