Tokyo · Central Tokyo
Hamarikyu Gardens
The land was mostly shallow sea until 1654, when Matsudaira Tsunashige, a relative of the shogun's house, received it as a secondary estate. In 1707 a major renovation was carried out: the pond that fills with seawater according to the tide was dug, and a wooden bridge to it and a teahouse on an island in its middle were built. When Tsunashige's son became the sixth shogun, Tokugawa Ienobu, the estate became a secondary palace of the shogun's house, and further shoguns expanded it over the following century.
The Nakajima teahouse on the island has a history: in 1879 Emperor Meiji and the former American president Ulysses Grant met there. The original building burned down completely in the bombing of 29 November 1944, and what stands today was rebuilt in 1983 in the same form.
This is the only seawater pond from the Edo period that remains in Tokyo, facing the skyscrapers of Shiodome. A field of yellow rapeseed blooms in early March, and cosmos in September and October.
Good to know
- At the Nakajima teahouse on the island there is a line on weekends. Matcha with a sweet for about ¥850.
- The pond fills and empties with the tide of Tokyo Bay. At low tide you see mud and crabs at the edges, not only water.
- The Tokyo Cruise boat from Asakusa stops at the garden, but it is drop-off only and you cannot board here. The ticket, ¥1,180, includes garden entry, and is sold only at the machines on the Asakusa pier.
- Free entry for children up to sixth grade, and for junior high school students who live or study in Tokyo.
What is nearby
Approximate walking minutes from the entrance of Hamarikyu Gardens.
- HereHamarikyu Gardens
- ~10 min
Caretta Shiodome SKY VIEW More to see
A free observation deck on floors 46-47, at a height of 200 meters, with a view of Hamarikyu Gardens from above, of Tokyo Bay and of Rainbow Bridge.
- ~10 min
Shiodome Italia-gai Street
An Italian-style street with cafes and restaurants, built as part of the Shiodome development. A pleasant stop on the way to the station.
- ~12 min
Nittele Big Clock (Miyazaki design) More to see
A karakuri clock 12 meters high on the wall of Nippon TV Tower, designed by Hayao Miyazaki. A mechanical show of about 3 minutes, several times a day, free from the street.
- ~15 min
Tsukidi Shouro Tsukiji Honten Food
A tamagoyaki (sweet omelet) shop celebrating a hundred years, until 15:00, and closed on Sundays and public holidays according to the market association. A hot, freshly made slice, around ¥400 to ¥500.
- ~15 min
Kaisendonya Tsukiji Kanno Food
A fish wholesaler in Tsukiji Outer Market that also sells kaisendon bowls to the public, more than 60 kinds. Open every day of the week including Sunday.
More in Central Tokyo
Appears in: Tsukiji, Hamarikyu Gardens and Ginza: fish in the morning, luxury in the evening