Cities Tokyo Hama Rikyu Garden
Hama Rikyu Garden
- Garden/Green Space/Nature
- Heritage/Temple/Shrine
The why: A former shogunal duck-hunting ground and imperial garden with tidal seawater ponds, a teahouse on an island, and Shiodome's skyscrapers as an accidental dramatic backdrop.
Gotcha / logistics: Water buses from Asakusa drop you off here but you cannot board at Hama Rikyu — plan your route accordingly.
Hama Rikyu (浜離宮) is a large, attractive landscape garden in central Tokyo. Located alongside Tokyo Bay, the garden features seawater ponds which change level with the tides, and a teahouse on an island where visitors can rest and enjoy the scenery. The traditionally styled garden stands in stark contrast to the skyscrapers of the adjacent Shiodome district — a juxtaposition that has become one of the most photographed scenes in Tokyo.
History
The garden has served many purposes over the centuries. It was originally built as a feudal lord’s Tokyo residence and duck hunting grounds during the Edo Period (1603-1867), but later served as a strolling garden and as an imperial detached palace before eventually being opened to the public. Vestiges of these old roles are still visible throughout the garden, including several reconstructed duck hunting blinds and the remains of an old moat and reconstructed rock wall.
What to See
The central feature is the large tidal pond with a teahouse (Nakajima no Ochaya) on an island connected by a wooden bridge. This is one of the most serene spots in central Tokyo — sit here with matcha tea and wagashi sweets while watching the water and the skyline beyond.
The garden is spacious enough for a leisurely one-hour stroll along paths that wind through pine groves, past reconstructed duck blinds, over bridges, and along the waterfront. The 300-year-old pine tree near the entrance, planted by the sixth Tokugawa shogun, is impressive in its own right.
Seasonal Highlights
Hama Rikyu is attractive in any season. Late February brings plum blossoms, while the spring cherry blossom season from late March to early April is pleasant if somewhat subdued compared to other spots. Fields of peony and canola (rapeseed) blossoms add color in spring. In autumn, maple, ginkgo and other trees show beautiful colors between late November and early December.
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.
The garden can also be reached from Asakusa by Tokyo Water Bus (35 min, 1180 yen one way including garden admission). Note that water buses stop here in the Asakusa-to-Hama Rikyu direction only — you cannot board boats at Hama Rikyu, only get off.
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (entry until 16:30). Closed: December 29 to January 1. Admission: 300 yen.
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