Rikugien Garden [Tokyo]

【Overview of Rikugien Garden】

Rikugien Garden is a representative daimyo (feudal lord) garden constructed in 1702 (Genroku 15) by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, the grand chamberlain (Soba-yonin) to the 5th Shogun of the Edo Shogunate, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. The name is derived from the “Rikugi” (Six Principles), a traditional classification system for waka poetry originally documented in the ancient Chinese classic The Book of Odes (Shijing). The entire garden is designed to express the “spirit of waka poetry,” incorporating scenes inspired by waka poems that Yanagisawa himself composed.

Celebrated as one of the two grand gardens of Edo, it features a Chisen-kaiyushiki (a traditional stroll garden designed around a central pond and artificial hills) style. Along the garden paths wrapping around the massive central pond (Daisensui), scenic viewpoints and charming details inspired by literary stories and famous landscapes—such as Wakanoura—are beautifully scattered throughout the grounds.

Admission Fee: General Admission 300 yen Hours: Usually 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM). Closed during the New Year holidays.

【The Two Grand Gardens of Edo?】

This title refers to two specific gardens in Bunkyo Ward widely celebrated as the ultimate masterpieces among the daimyo gardens constructed during the Edo period: Rikugien Garden and Koishikawa Korakuen Garden. Located within the same Bunkyo Ward, both have been officially designated by the national government as Special Places of Scenic Beauty.

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden [Tokyo]

【Rikugien Naitei-daimon Gate】

The Naitei-daimon Gate was originally erected during the Genroku era (around 1695–1702) in the mid-Edo period, when Rikugien was first being constructed.

In 1938 (Showa 13), the Iwasaki family (Iwasaki Hisaya) donated Rikugien Garden to Tokyo City. For its opening to the general public, the current “Naitei-daimon Gate” was newly reconstructed by Tokyo City (present-day Tokyo Metropolitan Government), meticulously preserving the historic atmosphere of the Iwasaki family era.

【Rikugien Weeping Cherry Tree (Shidare-zakura) 】

Immediately upon passing through the Naitei-daimon Gate, you will see a magnificent weeping cherry tree (Shidare-zakura) that bursts into full bloom with light pink blossoms stretching across its branches in late March.

Serving as the iconic symbol of Rikugien, this giant weeping cherry tree resembles a cascading waterfall of pale pink blossoms in spring. It is a massive tree standing approximately 15 meters tall and spanning about 20 meters in width, with an estimated age of 70 to 80 years. While it looks like a single immense tree, it is said to have been grown by planting three individual cherry trees closely together. Please note that the garden becomes incredibly packed during this season…

【Rikugien Daisensui Pond】

The Daisensui is a vast pond covering an area of approximately 20,000 square meters (about 6,000 tsubo), situated almost directly in the center of the Rikugien grounds. It forms the core of the entire garden, and every single landscape element is carefully designed to highlight and complement the beauty of the Daisensui. *To protect its historic value, visitors are not allowed to cross over to the central island (Naka-no-shima). You can enjoy its beauty by viewing it from the shores.

The largest island floating directly in the middle of the Daisensui consists of artificial hills called Imoyama and Seyama. On this island sits a flat stone known as the Sekirei-ishi (Wagtail Stone). This name is tied to a Japanese myth regarding the wagtail bird (sekirei), which is said to have taught the male and female deities, Izanagi and Izanami, the divine way of love and companionship.

【Rikugien Fukiage Chaya Tea House】

The Fukiage Chaya tea house is located on the northwestern shore of the Daisensui pond. It serves as a premium viewing spot where you can savor matcha green tea and seasonal Jonamashi (traditional premium wagashi sweets) while gazing at the beautiful scenery reflecting on the water’s surface.

A set featuring matcha and an authentic seasonal Jonamashi sweet is available for 1,000 yen. The Jonamashi sweets feature exquisitely beautiful nerikiri (sculpted bean-paste confections) crafted to resemble the seasonal flora of your visit, such as cherry blossoms or wisteria in spring, and colorful maple leaves in autumn. Advanced reservations are not accepted; visitors are seated in order as tables become available. During peak crowding periods, packaged wagashi sweets may be sold for takeout instead.

【Rikugien: The Tree with a Snake Pattern】

While it is not an official tourist attraction or landmark, there was a mysterious tree with a distinct, beautiful pattern resembling a snake sharply raised along the surface of its trunk. It is truly remarkable if this was formed completely by nature.

【Nearby Tourist Spots (Within a 30-Minute Walk)】

Myogi Shrine, Kyu-Furukawa Gardens, Hiratsuka Shrine, Kichjo-ji Temple, Hakusan Shrine

Myogi Shrine(Komagome Myogi Shrine) [Tokyo]

Kyu Furukawa Gardens [Tokyo]

Hiratsuka Shrine [Tokyo]

Kichijo-ji Temple [Tokyo]

Hakusan Shrine [Tokyo]

【Rikugien Access】

Admin’s Impressions

I have visited Rikugien in the past during the spring to see its famous “weeping cherry tree.” While it was breathtakingly beautiful, I remember it being overwhelmingly crowded—almost like a busy festival—making it quite a struggle just to take a single photo. However, during other seasons, the garden is relatively uncrowded. The chaotic energy of spring vanishes like a lie, transforming the grounds completely into a top-tier space of deep healing that makes you forget you are in the center of the city. Spending time at Fukiage Chaya while sipping matcha and enjoying a visually cooling seasonal Jonamashi sweet was a moment of pure bliss.

Site / Facility Scale

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Abundance of Nature

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Ease of Access

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Crowds / Number of Tourists

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Rikugien Address

6-16-3 Hon-komagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0021

*No parking available.

Approximately a 7-minute walk from the South Exit of JR Yamanote Line “Komagome Station.”

Approximately a 7-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Namboku Line “Komagome Station.”

Rikugien Feature Page

参考

六義園｜公園へ行こう！