Rediscover the beauty of Japanese gardens! 4 gardens in Tokyo where you can enjoy the scenery

Gardens in Tokyo have a special charm that blends tranquility and beauty.

Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind and visiting a Japanese garden, where history and nature are woven together, will refresh your body and soul.

This article introduces four carefully selected Japanese gardens in Tokyo that are ideal for enjoying the scenery. We will touch on the characteristics of each garden and tell you the charms of strolling through them. We hope you will find your favorite garden and enjoy the view of Tokyo.

1.East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Ruins of the former Honmaru of Edo Castle)

The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are a special place where visitors can feel the history of the Edo period. In winter, the garden offers a solemn landscape of karesansui (dry landscape) gardens and pine trees, creating a calming atmosphere. This garden is located on the site of the former Honmaru of Edo Castle and is known for its seasonal vegetation, but its serenity is especially noticeable in winter.

In the garden, beautiful sights peculiar to winter are a sight to behold. For example, the frosty lawns and mosses on a cold morning give off a jewel-like glow. Another attraction is the dignified appearance of the pine trees in the clear winter air. The garden is arranged with elements of a Japanese garden, such as a pond, a stone bridge, and a karesansui (dry landscape garden), which provide visitors with a sense of serenity.

In addition, the moat and stone walls surrounding the garden are not to be missed. Although it rarely snows in Tokyo, if you are lucky you may be able to see the stone walls covered with a light dusting of snow. If you visit, dress warmly, take your time, and enjoy the winter garden, which combines history and nature.

East Gardens of the Imperial Palace (Ruins of the former Honmaru of Edo Castle)

住所	1 Chiyoda 1, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
電話番号	03-3213-1111
営業時間	9:00-16:00
定休日	Monday and Friday
公式サイト	https://chiyoda-tokyo.net/edojohommaruato/

2.Happoen

Happo-en Garden is famous as a garden-style wedding hall in Tokyo, and its beautiful garden can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons. In winter, Happo-en offers visitors a special treat, as the entire garden takes on a tranquil winter appearance.

Happo-en in winter is worth seeing because of the beautiful reflection of the branches of the trees in the pond, which is like a mirror. The lanterns and cobblestones in the garden are even more striking in the cool winter air. Especially at night, when the garden is illuminated, it creates a fantastic atmosphere and is a popular romantic date spot.

Happo-en also has a Japanese restaurant where you can enjoy a hot meal with a view of the garden. On snowy days, visitors can enjoy the luxury of dining with a view of the snow. Enjoy the tranquility of winter while overlooking the beautiful scenery that spreads out from the entrance to the garden.

Happoen

住所	1-1-1, Shirokanedai 1-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo
電話番号	0570-064-128
営業時間	Weekdays 10:00-19:00 / Saturdays and Sundays 9:30-19:30
公式サイト	https://happo-en.com/

3.Rikugien

Rikugien is a typical kaiyu-style garden created in the Edo period (1603-1868), and is designated as a special place of scenic beauty by the Japanese government. Rikugien in winter is characterized by the tranquility of its dry landscape and winter withered trees, providing visitors with a sense of peace and tranquility.

The walking paths through the garden are even more beautiful in the clear winter air. The symbols of Rikugien, such as the mountain and the large pond, are more magnificent in the quietness of winter, making them ideal for photography. Visitors can also enjoy hot powdered green tea at the teahouses in the garden, which will warm you up after a long cold day.

Rikugien in winter is also attractive because there are relatively few tourists, so you can stroll around the garden in peace and quiet. If you are lucky, you may be able to enjoy the view of a thin layer of frost and snow. Rikugien is a great place to visit in winter, where you can enjoy the luxury of nature and history in harmony, even though you are in Tokyo.

Rikugien

住所	16-3, Honkomagome 6-chome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
電話番号	03-3941-2222
営業時間	9:00-17:00
営業日	no rest
公式サイト	https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/rikugien/index.html

4.Hamarikyu

Hama-rikyu Gardens is a precious historical space that has been handed down from the feudal lords' gardens of the Edo period to the present day. In winter, the beauty of Hamarikyu Garden stands out in the clear air, enchanting visitors.

At the center of the garden is a large tidal pond, and the cool winter breeze makes the surface of the water shimmer slightly, which is very tasteful. In addition, the pine trees scattered throughout the garden stand out against the blue winter sky, their dignified appearance impressive. Especially on snowy days, the contrast between white and green creates a fantastic atmosphere throughout the garden.

Another attraction of Hamarikyu is its teahouse. There is nothing like the time you spend savoring a hot cup of tea while feeling the cold of winter. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal plants in the garden and appreciate the beauty of dead leaves and tree branches that only winter can bring. Hamarikyu is the perfect place for a winter stroll, where you can experience the garden culture of the Edo period while taking a leisurely stroll through the vast grounds.

Hamarikyu Gardens

住所	1-1 Hamarikyu Garden, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
電話番号	03-3541-0200
営業時間	9:00-17:00
営業日	Please check the official website.
公式サイト	https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/hama-rikyu/index.html

Summary

Japanese gardens have a serenity and beauty that cannot be found anywhere else.

The Imperial Palace East Gardens, Happoen, Rikugien, and Hamarikyu Gardens are all special places to enjoy winter in Tokyo. Why not spend a peaceful moment in one of these historic gardens, enjoying the beauty of karesansui (dry landscape garden), winter withers, snow and frost? Facing nature in the clear winter air will bring you new discoveries and healing. This winter, we invite you to visit a Japanese garden in Tokyo and experience its charm.

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