Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens

Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens is a historic garden in Tokyo, Japan, built in the early 19th century during the Edo period. Unlike many gardens created for samurai or nobles, this one was made by a merchant named Sahara Kiku with the help of writers, poets, and artists who loved nature.

The name “Hyakkaen” means “Garden of a Hundred Flowers,” as it features plants that bloom in different seasons. Visitors can see cherry blossoms in spring, irises in summer, bush clovers in autumn, and plum trees in winter. The focus on flowers rather than evergreen trees makes it unique among Japanese gardens.

A well-known feature is the bush clover tunnel, which forms a beautiful archway in autumn. The garden was a popular meeting place for poets and scholars who found inspiration in its beauty. Today, Mukojima-Hyakkaen is a quiet spot in busy Tokyo, offering visitors a chance to enjoy nature and experience a piece of Japan’s cultural history.