Looking for a quiet escape in Tokyo? Visit Hamarikyu Gardens to enjoy scenic views, beautiful flowers, and authentic Japanese tea in a peaceful setting.
Are you wondering when is the best time to visit Tokyo? Read More👇
What Are Hamarikyu Gardens?
Hamarikyu Gardens is a beautiful traditional Japanese garden located in the heart of Tokyo.
Originally built as a feudal lord’s residence and hunting ground during the Edo period, the garden is now a public park where visitors can experience the harmony of nature and city life.
It features a unique tidal pond, a tea house, and seasonal flowers that offer something special in every season.
Hamarikyu Gardens Official Website
Why Visit Hamarikyu Gardens?
A Peaceful Oasis in Busy Tokyo
Tokyo is famous for its fast-paced lifestyle and modern skyscrapers, but Hamarikyu Gardens offers a calm and quiet escape from the busy city.
Here, you can enjoy wide-open green spaces, peaceful walking paths, and the soothing sound of water.
Pond, Seasonal Flowers, Traditional Tea House
One of the garden’s most unique features is the Shioiri Pond, which changes its water level with the tides of Tokyo Bay.
Seasonal flowers like cherry blossoms, peonies, and cosmos bloom throughout the year, creating beautiful scenery.
Don’t miss the traditional tea house on the pond, where you can enjoy matcha green tea and Japanese sweets while admiring the view.
Best Time to Visit
Cherry Blossoms in Spring
In late March and early April, Hamarikyu Gardens becomes a perfect spot for cherry blossom viewing.
The soft pink flowers contrast beautifully with the modern buildings in the background.
Autumn Leaves in Fall
From November to early December, the garden is painted with warm red and yellow colors.
The reflection of autumn leaves on the pond is truly breathtaking.
Quiet Winter Scenes
Winter offers a peaceful and quiet atmosphere.
You can enjoy the crisp air, fewer crowds, and clear views of the Tokyo skyline.
How to Get to Hamarikyu Gardens
By Train
- Tsukiji-shijyo Station (Oedo Line) – 8 minutes on foot
- Shiodome Station (Oedo Line, Yurikamome Line) – 8 minutes on foot
- Shimbashi Station (JR(Yamanote Line, Keihin Tohoku Line, Yamanote Line, Yokosuka Line), Ginza Line, Asakusa Line) – 10 minutes on foot
By Bus
- Bus Stop : Hama-Rikyū (Hama-rikyu Garden)
- Bus Rounte No. : 市01(Shi 01)
- Bus Route Map : Check Official Website
- Bus Schedule : Check Official Website
By Water Bus
You can take a water bus from Asakusa to Hama-rikyū Gardens.
However, please note that boarding from Hama-rikyū Gardens is not available. Disembarkation only.(Water Bus Official Website)
Tips for Visitors
Entrance Fee and Opening Hours
- Entrance Fee: adults ¥300, 65 and over ¥150
(No charge for primary school children or younger, and junior high school students living or attending school in Tokyo) - Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
- Closed: December 29 – January 1
Garden Tours (For International Visitors)
Free English-guided tours of Hamarikyu Gardens are available for international visitors on the following days:
- Saturdays, Sundays, and the 2nd & 4th Mondays
- Start time: 11:00 AM
Please note that the tours are not available in August.
The tours may be canceled due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.
For the latest updates, please check the official website(JPN) or the garden’s X account.
Photography Tips
- Flower Field (お花畑 Ohana-Batake)
This colorful field is filled with seasonal flowers like canola in spring and cosmos in autumn.
It’s a great spot to capture the contrast between nature and Tokyo’s modern skyscrapers. - Otsutai Bridge (お伝い橋Otsutai-bashi)
Otsutai Bridge is a beautiful wooden bridge over the tidal pond.
It offers perfect photo opportunities with the pond, greenery, and the traditional tea house in the background.
Enjoy Traditional Japanese Sweets and Matcha at the Tea House
At Tea House (中島の御茶屋 Nakajima no Ochaya), you can enjoy authentic Japanese sweets and freshly prepared matcha green tea.
- The tea house is open from 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM (last order at 4:30 PM).
- Credit cards such as VISA and MasterCard are accepted.
Please note that real matcha in Japan is much more bitter and stronger than the sweet matcha drinks often served in coffee shops. Be prepared for the authentic taste!
Tea House Etiquette: How to Enjoy Your Visit
- Remove your shoes and place them in the shoe rack at the entrance. Bare feet are acceptable.
- Order at the entrance and receive a number card. You can choose to sit at a table or experience sitting on traditional tatami mats.
- You don’t have to sit in the formal seiza style on the tatami. Feel free to sit comfortably and relax.
- Photography is allowed, but please keep your voice low and enjoy the Wabi-Sabi.
- When you finish your meal, it’s polite to say a few words to the staff before leaving. Try saying “Gochisousama deshita” (Thank you for the meal)—it will make your experience even more special!
How to Eat Japanese Sweets Properly
When you receive your Japanese sweet, you’ll also get a small wooden pick called a kashikiri.
Use this pick to cut the sweet into small pieces first, then gently pick them up to eat.
It is considered bad manners to stick the pick into the whole sweet and eat it in one bite.
Conclusion
Hamarikyu Gardens is a wonderful place to relax and experience the beauty of traditional Japan in the middle of modern Tokyo.
Whether you visit in spring, fall, or winter, the garden offers a peaceful retreat with unforgettable views.
It’s a perfect stop for tourists who want to explore something both beautiful and uniquely Japanese.
If you have any questions about Japan or if there’s something specific you’d like to know more about, feel free to leave a comment! I’d love to reply directly or even create a new post to cover your request in detail! 🤔