Tokyo's Kyu-Shiba-Rikyu Gardens: An Oasis In The Heart Of The Metropolis

Access to the Kyu-Shiba-Rikyu Gardens

The nearest station to Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Gardens is JR Hamamatsucho Station. Take the JR Yamanote Line bound for Shinagawa, and get off at Hamamatsucho. The garden is located right near the station. From JR Tokyo Station, the train ride takes six minutes, and the fare is 160 yen.

Recommended Spots Inside Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Gardens

Photograph courtesy of JNTO

Seiko no Tsutsumi

This area was built after the beautiful levee called "Sotei" near Seiko (Lake Sei) in China. There are other areas in the garden which were built after places of interest in Japan and China.

Rockwork

Iwagumi (rockwork) is a landscaping technique using stonework to re-create mountains and waterfalls. Mt. Horai, a Chinese mountain which is said to be inhabited by immortal hermits, is re-created in this style, along with other dynamic works in the garden.

Kyudojo

There is a kyudojo (Japanese archery range) in the garden. There is no rental equipment or any instructors on site, so the range is for those experts who have their own equipment only. It is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and closed on Monday mornings for maintenance (if Monday happens to be a national holiday, the range will be closed on Tuesday mornings). The fee to use this facility is 140 yen per hour.

Seasonal Events

Sakura Concerts (From Late March to Late April)

Traditional Japanese music concerts are held from late March to late April, when the sakura (cherry blossoms) are at their best.

Tanabata (July 7th)

Tanabata on July 7th is a traditional Japanese event, and concerts, along with wind-bell stores and workshops, are held during this period. Visitors can also write their wishes on tanzaku, and decorate the bamboo grass with them.

Autumnal Events (Early November)

There are various events and workshops in early November which are related to the history of the garden and Japanese culture such as concerts, handicraft sales and shop classes for children using recycled materials.

New-Year Events

Concerts and workshops about traditional Japanese games are held after the garden opening on January 2nd. Visitors will be able to enjoy the New-Year atmosphere of old Japan.

Sightseeing Spots Near Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Gardens

The Hama-rikyu Gardens were also built by a daimyo, and boasts a seawater pond, which can be seen only in this garden. It is located a five-minute walk from Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Gardens, and visitors can enjoy the scenery changing with the ebb and flow of the tide here.

Shiba Koen, with the largest kofun (*1) in the metropolitan area, is located a ten-minute walk from Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Gardens. Zojoji Temple, a famous sightseeing spot with a history going back more than 600 years, is located near Shiba Koen.

Tokyo Tower, which can be seen from Shiba Koen, is an iconic tower in Tokyo. The observatory located 150 meters above ground is furnished with cafe and shops. The special observatory, which makes the visitors wonder if they are in outer space, is located at 250 meters above ground and offers a great view of Tokyo.

** The special observatory is closed as of July 2017, due to renovations.
*1 Kofun: Ancient burial grounds built from the third century to the seventh century, constructed in a small mountainous shape.

** Travel time and transportation fares are taken from official sites. The information is up to date as of June 2017. Please note that the information may be subject to change.