Surrounded by a seawater moat, the Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo are located at the mouth of the Sumida River near the famous Tsukiji Fishmarket.
The gardens were created on the site of a 17th century villa of the Shogun Tokugawa family and were given to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 1945. The next year, on April 1, the gardens were opened to the public.
The main attraction of the gardens is the beautiful Shiori Pond – a tidal pond that takes in seawater. There is a teahouse in the centre of the pond where visitors can enjoy matcha (ceremonial green tea) and Japanese sweets served in tea-ceremony style.
It is possible to catch a water shuttle to Tokyo Bay via the Sumida River directly from within the gardens.
Getting There: Hama Rikyu is a 10-15 minute walk from JR Shimbashi Station or a 5-10 minute walk from Shiodome Station on the Oedo Subway Line and the Yurikamome elevated train.
Hama Rikyu can also be accessed from Asakusa by a small number of Tokyo Water Buses (35 minutes, 1180 yen one way including admission into the garden), but note that the water buses do not stop at Hama Rikyu in the opposite direction, and that it is currently not possible to board boats at Hama Rikyu. It is only possible to get off.
Admission Fee: 300 yen
Opening Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Importance Rating: 5/10
Busyness Rating: 5/10
Top Tips:
- The only seawater pond left in a garden from the Edo period in Tokyo.
- Matcha green tea and traditional sweets served in the Nakajima-no-ochaya (teahouse).
- Strolling the 120-meter bridge that connects the gardens' islands.
