What other travelers are saying about Rikugien Garden
Nice and quiet small park in the middle of Tokyo. For those who are looking for a brief getaway from city vibe, this place is the go-to. The park was very beautiful, and well maintained. There was a small lake in the middle with a few bridges and brooks in the park that creates a great contrast with plants. We came in Autumn so the foliage is really mesmerising.
One of our favorite gardens in Tokyo and always worth a visit. Beautiful fall colors in November. It was a bit crowded on a weekday as everyone appeared to be excited to see colors. Illuminations start later in week and will probably be spectacular.
Visited on autumn 30 Nov 2025 Sunday noon. It was a peaceful walk and not overly crowded.
The park's maple trees are in a stunning red! A large part of the garden pathways are made up of big and small pepple road, bit challenging to walk on. But the main area is OK.
Rikugien Gardens is a truly peaceful escape, offering a beautifully preserved, classical Japanese landscape. Despite being very close to the bustling city, it feels worlds away. The grounds are impeccably clean and offer stunning views, especially around the central pond. It’s a serene, refreshing visit I highly recommend for anyone seeking tranquility in Tokyo.
Beautiful garden! It’s full of history for visitors to explore. With leaves changing colour there are lots of spots to take pictures. Many trails around the pond and around the perimeter. Can readily spend 2+ hours here.
Rikugien Garden was constructed around 1700 by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, a daimyo (feudal lord) and close associate of the fifth Tokugawa shogun, Tsunayoshi. It was designed to reflect the themes of famous Japanese poems, creating a landscape rich in literary and aesthetic significance.
The name "Rikugien" translates to "six poems garden." It signifies the garden's design inspiration, which is based on the concept of representing scenes from famous poems, particularly those that depict natural landscapes and seasons.
Rikugien Garden is known for its scenic beauty, featuring a large central pond, several hills, walking paths, and a network of streams and bridges. The garden is a prime example of a "strolling garden," where visitors can enjoy the changing scenery along the paths.
The best times to visit are during the cherry blossom season in spring (late March to early April) and the autumn foliage season (late November to early December). During these periods, the garden showcases its most spectacular scenery.
Rikugien Garden is easily accessible by public transport. The closest subway station is Komagome Station, served by the JR Yamanote Line and the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line. From the station, it's just a short walk to the garden.
