Tokyo's 5 Best Japanese Gardens | Escape the City's Bustle

When people think of Tokyo, they often imagine skyscrapers and neon lights.　However many beautiful Japanese gardens from the Edo period can still be seen throughout the city.

With tranquil ponds, carefully arranged stones, artificial hills, and seasonal flowers, these gardens reflect Japan's unique appreciation of nature and timeless aesthetic values.

Here are five of Tokyo's finest Japanese gardens, carefully selected by a professional gardener and guide.

1. Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens – A Masterpiece from the Early Edo Period

Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens during cherry blossom season

Koishikawa Korakuen is one of Tokyo's oldest and most celebrated strolling gardens. It was created in the early Edo period by the Mito branch of the Tokugawa family.

The garden features landscapes inspired by famous Chinese scenery, and its appearance changes beautifully with each season. Cherry blossoms in spring, irises in early summer, and vibrant autumn foliage make it worth visiting year-round. Despite being located next to Tokyo Dome, it offers an atmosphere of remarkable peace and tranquility.

2. Rikugien Gardens – A Garden Inspired by Classical Poetry

The view from Fujishiro-toge viewpoint in Rikugien Gardens

Completed in 1702, Rikugien is a traditional daimyo garden that recreates scenes from classical Japanese waka poetry.

It is especially famous for its magnificent weeping cherry tree in spring and spectacular autumn colors. The spacious paths around the central pond make it one of Tokyo's most relaxing gardens to explore.

3. Hama-rikyu Gardens – Where the Sea Meets the Garden

Nakajima no Ochaya (The Floating Teahouse) at Hamarikyu Gardens

Hama-rikyu Gardens is unique for its seawater pond, which is fed directly by Tokyo Bay and changes with the tides.

Once used as a villa by the Tokugawa shoguns, the garden now offers a striking contrast between its historic landscape and the modern skyscrapers of nearby Shiodome. Enjoying matcha tea at the Nakajima Tea House is one of the highlights of a visit.

4. Kiyosumi Gardens – A Peaceful Landscape of Water and Stones

The Isowatari stepping stones and Ryotei teahouse at Kiyosumi Gardens

Originally developed by the Iwasaki family during the Meiji period, Kiyosumi Gardens is renowned for its impressive collection of carefully selected stones gathered from across Japan.

Walking across the stepping stones around the pond feels like stepping into a traditional Japanese painting. Compared with many of Tokyo's famous attractions, the garden remains relatively quiet, making it an ideal place to relax.

5. Shinjuku Gyoen Gardens– Where Japanese and Western Garden Styles Meet

Shinjuku Gyoen's Japanese garden, with skyscrapers as a borrowed scenery

Located in the heart of Shinjuku, Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo's largest parks and features three distinct garden styles: a traditional Japanese garden, an English landscape garden, and a French formal garden.

It is one of Tokyo's most popular cherry blossom destinations in spring and offers stunning autumn foliage later in the year. Throughout every season, it serves as a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city.

The Best Way to Explore Tokyo's Gardens

With e-bikes in front of the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery in Jingu Gaien

Tokyo's finest gardens are spread across the city. Exploring them by bicycle allows you to enjoy charming neighborhoods, seasonal flowers, and hidden scenery that you might miss when traveling by subway. Even during the warmer months, cycling lets you experience a refreshing breeze as you move from one garden to another.

At bikeTKgardens, our professional gardener guide shares the history, design, and plant life of Tokyo's gardens throughout the tour.

Discover a quieter, greener side of Tokyo—one that most visitors never get to experience.