Hamarikyu Gardens

Next to the Sumida River, in the bay of Tokyo, you will find the public garden park called Hamarikyu Gardens. This serene garden has a very distinct style of Japanese landscaping, as the park stands out for it’s excellent use of water, as the park is surrounded by water from the bay. Within the park itself you will find Shioiri Pond, which you can cross over using a wooden bridge for a stunning view over the water.

If you follow the path around the pond you will come across seasonal trees and flowers, such as plum trees and cherry blossoms. This delightful green path makes Hamarikyu Gardens one of the best gardens in Tokyo to stretch your legs in. And if you keep going you will come across several picnic sites which are often enjoyed by the locals. As you stroll across the park you might notice some Tokyo highrise, which stands in stark contrast with the sereness of the park, offering some excellent photo moments.

The Japanese know how to live the good life. At the center of the pond you will find a traditional Japanese teahouse where you can relax and enjoy some traditional green tea with a beautiful view. This tea house can be reached by crossing one of the three bridges towards it.

The Hamarikyu Gardens originally functioned as a hunting grounds of the Shogun Tokugawa family, but in 1654 the park was enclosed with water and in 1707 the Tokugawa gave the park it’s current purpose. Including the teahouse we can still enjoy today. This park is now designated as one of the special historical sites of Japan for its scenic beauty and historical relevance.