Hama Rikyu Gardens: Tranquil Oasis Heart Tokyo – Updated Version

Hama Rikyu Gardens, nestled in the heart of Tokyo, is a serene oasis that offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. This historic garden, once a residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, now serves as a public garden, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

History and Significance

Hama Rikyu Gardens has a rich history dating back to the Edo period. Originally built as a feudal lord's Tokyo residence and duck hunting grounds, it later served as a strolling garden and an imperial detached palace. The garden was severely damaged during the Great Kanto Earthquake and the bombings of World War II but was restored and opened to the public after being transferred from the Imperial Household Agency to Tokyo Metropolis.

Layout and Features

The garden spans 250,216 square meters and includes several notable features. One of its most distinctive elements is the Shioiri-no-ike, a tidal pond that changes water levels with the tides, making it the only seawater pond of its kind in Tokyo. The pond is home to saltwater fish such as ell and sea bass. Visitors can cross the pond via two bridges to reach the Nakajima no Ochaya, a teahouse situated on a small island, where they can enjoy matcha and traditional Japanese sweets.

Seasonal Attractions

Hama Rikyu Gardens is a year-round destination, offering different attractions in each season. In the spring, the garden is famous for its grandiose cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers. Late February brings plum blossoms, while fields of peony and canola blossoms bloom in the spring. Autumn foliage, though less famous than some other gardens, still offers beautiful maple, ginkgo, and other trees displaying their vibrant colors between late November and early December.

Access and Facilities

The garden is easily accessible from several nearby stations. It is a 10-15 minute walk from JR Shimbashi Station, a 5-10 minute walk from Shiodome Station on the Oedo Subway Line and the Yurikamome elevated train, and a 7-minute walk from Tsukijishijō Station. Visitors can also reach the garden via the Tokyo Cruise Ship (water bus) from Asakusa, which includes admission to the garden in the fare.

Opening Hours and Admission

Hama Rikyu Gardens is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM. The garden is closed during the year-end holidays from December 29 to January 1. The admission fee is ¥300, with reduced rates for seniors (¥150) and free admission for primary school children or younger.

Guided Tours

For those interested in a deeper understanding of the garden's history and significance, free guided tours are available. English tours are offered on Mondays at 10:30 AM and Saturdays at 11:00 AM, while Japanese tours are available on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Tea House Experience

A visit to Hama Rikyu Gardens is not complete without a stop at the Nakajima no Ochaya teahouse. Here, visitors can enjoy green tea along with traditional sweets such as yam steamed buns or nerikiri sweets, priced between ¥510 and ¥720.

Other Attractions

The garden also features several other attractions, including the Statue of Umashimadenomikoto, which aesthetically fits the garden's Edo period theme, and the 300-year-old pine tree, Sambyakunen-no-matsu, one of the largest Japanese black pines in Tokyo. The garden's open spaces are ideal for picnics, and the reconstructed duck hunting blinds and old moat remnants provide a glimpse into its historical past.

Practical Tips

• Getting There: Use the nearest stations (Shiodome, Shimbashi, or Tsukijishijō) or the water bus from Asakusa for a unique approach.
• Best Time to Visit: Spring for cherry blossoms, autumn for foliage, and any season for a peaceful stroll.
• What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, camera, and a picnic if desired.
• Special Events: Check for seasonal events like the Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony, which offers a unique cultural experience.