Rikugien Garden is one of beautiful Japanese gardens in Tokyo where you should visit and feel the beauty of Japanese culture and seasons!
About Rikugien Garden
History
It was made by Yoshiyasu Yanagisawa who worked for Tsunayoshi Tokugawa who was the 5th general of Edo period. It was called “Mukusanosono” at that time, and built in 1702 (started in 1695). In Meiji period, Yataro Iwasaki who found Mitsubishi bought this garden, and then it was donated to Tokyo in 1938.
The stroll garden with a central pond, beautiful bridges, tea houses and so on – all of them are very attractive.
Best Season To Visit
Each season has its good side, however personally i love going there in fall because they have lighting up 🍄🐿🍁🌾🍂
What To See at Rikugien Garden
Togetsukyo Bridge
It is called “Togetsukyo” which came from Japanese traditional poem. This is one of my favorite picture i took.
The balance of the big stone in the middle and the bridge is perfect.. and the reflection adds up the beauty of the scenery. Isn’t it beautiful? 😌
Tea Houses
You can find 2 tea houses named Tsutsuji & Takimi.
Tsutsuji chaya was built in Meiji period. Tsutsuji means azalea in Japanese, it is literally used azalea tree. And this is only building (it doesn’t look like a building, though) which didn’t get burnt by fire or bombing.
Around Takimi chaya, you can find the sound of water in the quietness.
Fujishiro Touge
It’s the highest mountain in the park which is (only) 35 meters high where you can have a beautiful view of the park.
Dohashi Bridges
There are 4 Dobashi bridges (earth-paved bridge) in the park, Chidori, Kamome, Fujinami, and Yamakage.
Rikugien Illumination in Fall
Around the end of November to the beginning of December, they light up those beautiful trees turning red/yellow 💛🧡❤️ A lot of people visit there on this event ☺️
Food and Beverage
You can try Japanese sweets at Tea house inside of this garden, also you can get something to eat such as Dango (rice cake).
Also you can drink alcohol such as “high ball” which is mixed of whiskey and soda.
There is a line to buy food/beverage there, you need to make sure where your companies are.
Tips & Info For Illumination in Fall
Be Walkable
i’d recommend you to wear sneaker or flat shoes otherwise it is hard to walk around those bumpy path especially after it gets dark.
* it seems like difficult to use stroller.
Expect the Crowd
The term of light up, they open gate nearby Komagome station and there could be a long line especially on weekend.
Keep Yourself Warm
Bring/wear something which keeps you warm 😉
Details for Rikugien Garden
- No Pet Allowed
- Entrance fee : 300yen
Official site (en):http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/rikugien/index.html
Access to Rikugien Garden
The closest station is Komagome station (JR Yamanote line or Tokyo metro Namboku line), you can get there for 5 mins by foot from that station.
Also you can access there from Sugamo station for 20 mins by foot.
Beautiful Garden Nearby
In addition, Kyu-Furukawa Garden is also one of my favorites, and it takes 20 mins of walk from Rikugien Garrden 🙂 I’d recommend you to visit Kyu-Furukawa garden and then Rikugien Garden if you have much time.
Hope you can enjoy your visit with the lightening up in fall at Rikugien Garden which is very beautiful!
