Hamarikyu Gardens

Starting as a duck hunting ground and feudal lord’s mansion, Hama-rikyu Gardens, or Hama-rikyu Onshi Teien, has witnessed significant moments of Tokyo’s urban history. It underwent transformations from a shogunate garden to a detached palace for the Imperial family. Opened to the public in 1946 and now covering around 25 hectares, the garden is a rare example of an Edo-period seaside villa.

The garden’s traditional Japanese landscaping features a large central pond and tidal influence from Tokyo Bay. At the Nakajima no Ochaya teahouse, visitors can enjoy a tea ceremony, reflecting Japan’s cultural heritage. The well-maintained gardens display an ancient pine tree and seasonal attractions such as a peony garden and plum grove.

With its history as a duck hunting site and restored teahouses, the park offers insights into the leisure and aesthetic preferences of the Tokugawa shoguns. The Shioiri-no-ike tidal pond and its seawater moat highlight Edo-period engineering skills.

The proximity to the modern Shiodome district emphasizes the gardens’ peaceful atmosphere. Visitors are encouraged to visit the tide-affected ponds and the Nakajima-no-ochaya teahouse to enjoy matcha and sweets. The gardens’ changing seasons bring varied landscapes, with cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and colorful flower fields.

As a site of historic and natural significance, Hama-rikyu Gardens serves as a place of relaxation and beauty within Tokyo’s urban setting. It allows one to appreciate Japanese garden design and the Tokugawa legacy with a view of Tokyo’s modern skyline.