Travel Guide to Rikugien Gardens
Discover the beauty of Rikugien Gardens in Tokyo, a serene escape featuring picturesque landscapes, historical significance, and seasonal delights.
A brief summary to Rikugien Gardens
- 6 Chome-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo City, 6 Chome Honkomagome, Tokyo, 113-0021, JP
- +813-3941-2222
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Rikugien Gardens: A Serene Retreat in Tokyo
Rikugien Gardens is one of Tokyo's most beautiful traditional gardens, celebrated for its stunning landscapes and serene ambiance. Established in the Edo period, this garden embodies the essence of Japanese aesthetics, where nature is meticulously curated to create a harmonious environment. Visitors can stroll along meandering paths that lead to picturesque ponds, lush greenery, and seasonal flowers, each corner revealing a new facet of beauty. The garden is particularly famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage, attracting photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. In addition to its natural beauty, Rikugien is steeped in history and cultural significance. The garden was designed by the feudal lord Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, who aimed to replicate famous scenic spots from across Japan. As you wander through the grounds, you can observe the careful layout of hills, streams, and tea houses, which all reflect the art of Japanese landscape design. The tranquil environment invites contemplation, making it an excellent spot for a peaceful afternoon escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Visitors are encouraged to bring a camera to capture the stunning sights and to take a moment to enjoy the serene atmosphere. The garden also hosts seasonal events, such as lantern festivals and guided tours, providing opportunities to appreciate its beauty in different contexts. Whether you're seeking a quiet place for reflection or a picturesque setting for photography, Rikugien Gardens is a quintessential experience in Tokyo that showcases the elegance of Japanese gardens.
Local tips
- Visit during the cherry blossom season for breathtaking views.
- Bring a picnic and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
- Check the garden’s event schedule for special seasonal activities.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the winding paths.
- Photography is allowed, but be respectful of other visitors' space.
Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Getting There
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Subway
If you are starting from Shinjuku Station, take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line (Red Line) towards Ikebukuro. Ride for 5 stops and get off at Korakuen Station. From there, transfer to the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line (Green Line) at Korakuen Station and head towards Meguro. After 2 stops, get off at Honkomagome Station. Exit the station and walk about 10 minutes heading northeast on the main road until you reach Rikugien Gardens at 6 Chome-16-3 Honkomagome.
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Subway
If you are starting from Tokyo Station, take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line (Red Line) towards Ogikubo. Ride for 6 stops and get off at Ikebukuro Station. From Ikebukuro, transfer to the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line (Silver Line) and take it towards Shin-Kiba. Get off at the next stop, Mejiro Station. From Mejiro Station, it’s a 15-minute walk to Rikugien Gardens, heading northeast along the main roads.
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Bus
From Ueno Station, head to the bus terminal located near the station East Exit. Take the Toei Bus (Route: 42) towards Honkomagome. After about 15 minutes, get off at the Rikugien Mae bus stop. From there, it’s a short walk to the entrance of Rikugien Gardens, which is located at 6 Chome-16-3 Honkomagome.
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Walking
If you are already in the Bunkyo area, you can easily walk to Rikugien Gardens. Find your way to the nearest landmark, such as Tokyo Dome or Koishikawa Kōrakuen Garden. From there, head north towards Honkomagome, following the signs for Rikugien Gardens. The walk should take approximately 20-30 minutes depending on your starting point.
