Hamarikyu Garden offers serenity away from the bustle of Tokyo in a central location that enables a quick detachment from the city. The urban core has developed around the garden, which dates back to the Edo Period in the 17th century when it served as the grounds for an imperial palace. Look for remains of buildings and reconstructed duck hunting blinds used by the early owners.
An earthquake in 1923 followed by World War II bombing caused massive damage to the buildings and gardens. The area became public land in 1946 and received designation in 1952 as an area of cultural and historical significance.
The garden is located on the shores of Tokyo Bay, and one of its ponds is tidal, with a sluice gate regulating water levels. Walk over this pond on a wooden bridge to an island where you can enjoy traditional green tea served in bowls in an 18th-century teahouse.
The 62-acre (25-hectare) garden offers abundant vegetation with showy blossoms from spring through fall. The earliest flowering trees present plum blossoms in late February, while the latest include the vivid fall colors of maples and ginkgos.
Enter the area through the northern main gate called Otemon or the northwest inner gate, Naka-no-gomon. After walking through the main gate look for the 300-year-old pine tree that is believed to have been planted by a shogun when Japan’s ruling families owned the area.
Notice the remnants of a moat that surrounded the gardens as well as the remains of a receiving lodge between the two gates where Japan’s royalty received guests. Among the guests was U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, who stayed for 2 months.
Reach Hamarikyu Garden by land or by boat. Get off at metro stations Shiodome or Tsukijishijo followed by a short walk. Travel by waterbus, with a 35-minute ride from Asakusa or 5 minutes from Hinode Pier.
The garden is open every day except December 29 to January 1, with free admission for children of elementary school age and younger.
