Rikugien Garden
Rikugien Garden is a landscape garden designed by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, a close aide to Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, and completed over a period of seven years in 1695 (Genroku 8). The garden is of a strolling style, with artificial hills and a pond constructed on the flat land of Komagome, granted by Tsunayoshi. The name originates from the "Six Principles of Poetry" from the ancient Chinese anthology "Shijing." Within the garden, beautiful landscapes inspired by famous sights in Kishu (now Wakayama Prefecture) and haiku poems are skillfully recreated, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
During the Meiji era, the garden was owned by Iwasaki Yataro, the founder of Mitsubishi, which led to a period of neglect. However, it was restored by the Iwasaki family and in 1938 was donated to the city of Tokyo, opening to the public. In 1953, it was designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the national government.
Access to Rikugien is easy from Komagome Station on the JR Yamanote Line or the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line. Particularly during spring and autumn, the garden showcases beautiful weeping cherry blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage, and sometimes the garden is illuminated at night. The garden features a diverse array of trees, allowing visitors to enjoy changing scenery throughout the seasons.
Today, Rikugien remains a beloved Tokyo Metropolitan garden, with around 400 coniferous trees, approximately 3,500 evergreen trees, and 2,500 deciduous trees, creating a picturesque and nature-rich environment that attracts wild birds. Including the surrounding areas of Komagome and Sugamo, Rikugien is cherished as a precious green haven in the city by many.
During the Meiji era, the garden was owned by Iwasaki Yataro, the founder of Mitsubishi, which led to a period of neglect. However, it was restored by the Iwasaki family and in 1938 was donated to the city of Tokyo, opening to the public. In 1953, it was designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the national government.
Access to Rikugien is easy from Komagome Station on the JR Yamanote Line or the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line. Particularly during spring and autumn, the garden showcases beautiful weeping cherry blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage, and sometimes the garden is illuminated at night. The garden features a diverse array of trees, allowing visitors to enjoy changing scenery throughout the seasons.
Today, Rikugien remains a beloved Tokyo Metropolitan garden, with around 400 coniferous trees, approximately 3,500 evergreen trees, and 2,500 deciduous trees, creating a picturesque and nature-rich environment that attracts wild birds. Including the surrounding areas of Komagome and Sugamo, Rikugien is cherished as a precious green haven in the city by many.
Basic Information
- Spot Name
- Rikugien Garden
- Location
- 〒113-0021 6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- Access
- Get off at JR Yamanote Line "Komagome" (South Exit) and walk for 7 minutes.
Get off at Tokyo Metro Namboku Line "Komagome" (N14) and walk for 7 minutes.
Get off at Toei Mita Line "Sengoku" (I14) and walk for 10 minutes. - Parking
- There is no parking available.
- Business Hours
- Opening hours:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(Entry until 4:30 PM) - Regular Holiday
- Year-end and New Year holidays (from December 29 to January 1 of the following year).
- Fees
- General: 300 yen
65 years old and over: 150 yen
(Free for elementary school students and junior high school students living or studying in Tokyo) - Contact Information
- Phone Number：03-3941-2222
- Official Website
