What other travelers are saying about Hama Rikyu Gardens
Visited on 19 Dec 2025.
Lovely garden with plenty of benches where you can sit and enjoy the sunshine. As it’s winter, there aren’t many flowers or lush greenery, but it’s still a very relaxing place for a stroll. You can enjoy views of a small river and the scenery along the riverbank, and there is also a tea house to visit. Taking a slow walk through the garden is very enjoyable, and the 150 yen admission fee feels well worth it. A peaceful spot that leaves you with many beautiful walking memories.
Large garden that tends to be overlooked compared to some other gardens in Tokyo. It can be a bit less convenient to get to, but the excellent scenery and pretty tea house make it worth it. Depending on the season, you can also catch one of the excellent cruises from the garden directly. When we visited this autumn on a weekday, it was much less crowded than many other gardens. This spot is also excellent in the spring. Currently one of the bridges is closed off for repair. Absolutely visit the teahouse.
Beautiful gardens, one of my favourite places in Tokyo for sure! Very well kept and just gorgeous. It was a lovely day today and the gardens were very peaceful.
Highly recommended. I payed 300 yen but the combo ticket saves you 50 yen if you wish to visit the Kyu Shiba Rikyu gardens as well (also worth a visit).
Just lovely!
What a splendid place to spend the afternoon! Strolling the grounds, exploring every nook and cranny. I spent a few hours here one spring afternoon after eating a great omakase lunch. This was the perfect place to burn off some extra calories, wandering the paths. It was an equally enjoyable place to enjoy a nice little siesta underneath one of the many trees that provide shade in this beautiful park. If you’re into green spaces, I highly recommend a visit! Can’t wait to come back 🤗
Beautiful traditional gardens that used to be the falcon hunting grounds of the Shogun. Compared to Shinjuku Gardens, Hamariku has more beautiful water features, including bridges and a tea shop over water. There's something to see in every season - plum blossoms in February, cherry blossoms in March, wisteria in April, as well as a season flower garden planted with rotating varieties year round. The garden also hosts seasonal and cultural celebrations. The garden tends to be quiet most days (certainly compared to Shinjuku Gardens). The open picnic areas are recommended for families with kids looking for a place to run around in the grass.
Key attractions include the 300-year-old Pine of the Matchmaker, the tidal ponds, a traditional teahouse where visitors can enjoy matcha and sweets, and the flower fields that change with the seasons, offering a diverse botanical experience.
Yes, visitors can experience traditional Japanese tea ceremonies at the teahouse located on an island within the garden's tidal pond. This offers a unique cultural experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the tranquility and ritual of Japanese tea culture.
The gardens are home to a wide variety of plant species, including pine trees, cherry blossoms, and seasonal flowers like peonies and irises. The tidal ponds also attract diverse birdlife, especially during the duck hunting season, though hunting is no longer practiced.
Hama Rikyu Gardens, once a feudal lord's residence and a duck hunting ground for the Tokugawa shogunate, reflects the opulence and cultural aesthetics of the Edo Period. It showcases traditional Japanese garden design, including tidal ponds, which uniquely connect with Tokyo Bay, illustrating the blend of natural beauty with practical engineering of the era.
