logo

Palace/Gardens

flag The Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace used to be a castle for shoguns. Shoguns led the samurai class during the Edo period (1603 -1867). The original meaning of shogun is “general”. In 1868, the Meiji Restoration occurred and the last shogun transferred this castle to the Emperor Meiji. The total area of the Imperial Palace including the gardens is about three square miles.

Previously, there was an outer and inner moat surrounding the castle. The Palace today is still surrounded by an inner moat. As you approach the Palace from the front, you will see two bridges and the main gates. The gates are opened to everyone twice a year: January 2nd for the New Year celebration and December 23rd which is the Emperor’s birthday. On these dates the Emperor and his family will appear on a balcony which looks down upon a huge crowd waiting in the front garden.

The East Garden is open to everyone year-round except for Mondays and Fridays. The main gate of the Garden is called “Otemon” which used to be the gate through which all feudal lords (Daimyo) had to walk. The lords and their retainers (servants) were searched before entering the castle and carefully watched by samurai guards sitting in their Guard House. The site of the East Garden used to be the central part of the castle and included the Shogunate offices, the Shogun’s private quarters, and his harem which was called an “Ooku”. The foundation of a Donjon (main tower of a castle), several guard houses, a tea pavilion and a Japanese garden in which you can stroll remain as they were originally.

Open: 9:00 to 16:30

Closed: Mondays, Fridays, New Year Holidays (Dec 28 to Jan 3) If Monday or Friday is a national holiday,the gardens are closed on the following day instead.

Admission: Free

MAP

[ History Back ]

flag Rikugi-En (Rikugi Garden)

a-RikugienRikugi-en is one of the most beautiful gardens in Tokyo, located one half hour from Tokyo station by train heading north. The garden was built in 1702 by a high ranking officer of the Tokugawa Shogunate as his villa.  Rikugi-en is a typical strolling garden.  However, because the land had been at the edge of the Musashino tablelands (plateaus), many hills and ponds were created.  The largest pond is surrounded by trees.  Replicas of beautiful, famous spots in Japan, such as Wakanoura Beach in Wakayama Prefecture, can be seen.  The garden became the property of the Iwasaki family (founder of Mitsubishi) in the late nineteenth century and was later donated to Tokyo.  In 1938 it became open to the public.  Because so many azaleas, which bloom in April and May, are planted there, the garden’s nickname is ‘Azalea Garden’.  It is also famous for weeping cherry flowers which bloom in late March or early April.  They are especially beautiful at night when the area is lit.

Hours: 9am to 5pm

Closed: Dec 29 to Jan 1

Admission: 300 yen

 

MAP

[ History Back ]

flag Hamarikyu Garden

Hamarikyu Gardens is a typical strolling garden located in the Shimbashi area, a 12 minute walk from JR Shimbashi station.  It was built in 1654 by a feudal lord and later belonged to the Tokugawa Shogun. Looking for somewhere to relax, the lord filled in some of the tidal flats near the mouth of the Sumida River and laid out the original garden and buildings.  This public park and the high-rise buildings near it in the new Shimbashi business district provide a wonderful contrast.

Black Pine

a hama-pineJust after you pass the garden gate, you will find a 300 year old pine tree.  It is the largest black pine tree in Tokyo and believed to be the oldest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shioiri-no-ike

a-hama-bridgeHamarikyu Garden’s key feature is the saltwater pond, with its islands, graceful bridges and teahouses.  Due to its proximity to the coast, the pond is actually connected to the sea, rising and ebbing slightly twice a day.  Many kinds of fish can be seen swimming in the pond.
At the center of the pond, which is accessible by wooden pedestrian bridges, is a small island called Nakajima.  On it is a splendid tea house which was used to entertain senior samurai and imperial family members, as well as foreign guests including former U.S. President Ulysses Grant.  If you like, you can enjoy drinking powdered tea with a Japanese cake for 500 yen.

Hours: 9am to 5pm

Closed: Dec 29 to Jan 1

Admission: 300 yen

MAP

[ History Back ]

flag Koishikawa Kourakuen(Koraku Garden)

a-KorakuenThis garden is located only 20 minutes from Tokyo station using subway or JR train.  In the early Edo Period, in 1629, the founder of the Mito Tokugawa family,  maintained a separate Edo residence with a garden. This garden features a central pond and hills, making it perfect for a stroll. When the founder set about constructing the garden, he incorporated some concepts of the Chinese Confucian scholar Shushunsui, including a garden reproduction of Seiko Lake (China), a “Full Moon Bridge” and other features with cultural origins in China.
The name of the garden, “Korakuen,” came from a Chinese text that there is “a need for those in power to worry about maintaining power first and then enjoy power later.” Thus, the name Korakuen, meaning “the garden for enjoying power later on,” was chosen.
Hours: 9am to 5pm

Closed: Dec 29 to Jan 1

Admission: 300 yen

 

MAP

[ History Back ]