The perfect escape to unwind after the bustling and energetic atmosphere of Tsukiji Outer Market. It’s just a short walk from the market, and we absolutely loved the tranquility of this historic oasis set against the backdrop of modern skyscrapers.
We took a break at the historic teahouse (Nakajima no Chaya) located right on the pond. Sipping authentic matcha and enjoying a traditional Japanese sweet (wagashi) while overlooking the water was an incredibly peaceful and authentic experience. Highly recommend this spot to anyone looking to experience traditional Japanese garden culture right in the heart of modern Tokyo!
To whoever wrote that this is (boring) you need to learn to touch some grass more often.
Fantastic spot, honestly! Good teahouse and delicious treats. You can come here and truly enjoy your time in nature. Definitely sit and observe everything, it's a beautiful park right in the city and perfect for an escape.
It has a nice feeling bettween the traditional Edo period gardens and the modern skyscrapers of Shiodome in the background.
Came here right when it opened on a Monday and there was no one else around. Entrance fee was minimal and could be put on a credit card.
I had a couple of hours to kill so I walked around. I had no expectations. But then I became engrossed in the practice of catching wild ducks! Wait they used domesticated ducks to lure wild ducks to a pond, then called the domesticated ducks down a narrow channel, then unleashed trained falcons on wild ducks to grab them and drop them in the villagers' nets??? WHAT? To be honest, I glance at info panels, but I'm rarely ever this invested in the history of a location. This was all very fascinating. Oh and to top it all off, there's a monument to all of the fallen ducks.
Ducks aside, these gardens are huge. Unfortunately, in mid-June, there weren't many varieties of blooming plants. Mainly hydrangeas, which were spread around, and mainly blue, however there were some other varieties.
There was a tea shop on an island that served tea and snacks. I wasn't really interested in stopping, but it could be a nice rest area, especially during hot or cold days.
I was a little disappointed in their gift shop. It was nothing more than a pod or kiosk, in other words very small. But it primarily sold snacks and frozen treats. Come on though, you have this rich history about trapping wild ducks and have absolutely no related souvenirs? I think that's a missed opportunity.
Still, this was an excellent way to spend a morning!
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 🤗
Hamarikyu Gardens is a sprawling 25-hectare landscape garden in central Tokyo, best known for the striking contrast between its traditional Edo-period scenery and the modern skyscrapers of the nearby Shiodome district.
The gardens offer a surprisingly varied experience, with well-maintained lawns, seasonal flowers such as hydrangeas, shaded forest paths, and beautiful water features. With an admission fee of just 300 yen, it's easy to spend an hour or two exploring the different areas and learning about the area's long history.
We especially enjoyed the peaceful walk through the denser wooded sections leading toward Shioiri-no-ike, the only remaining Edo-period seawater pond in Tokyo, which provided a welcome escape from the surrounding city.
One thing to keep in mind, however, is that parts of the garden around the water can occasionally have a noticeable sewage-like odor. Since the water areas are connected directly to Tokyo Bay's urban water system, the smell can be particularly strong after rainfall and may affect the experience in certain areas.
