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Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens

An Edo period garden in the middle of Tokyo

Surviving almost as an afterthought in modern Japan, Mukojima is a blue-collar residential area of Sumida Ward in Tokyo. Rarely on the must-see places for tourists, Mukojma is actually a little delight that just finds ways of giving.

The Seiko Watch Museum finds its home here, as does the Tobu Museum. But perhaps most authentic of all is the Mukojima Hyakkaen Gardens. A stunningly calm and peaceful place, these strolling gardens were created in the early 1800s, and are the only gardens in Tokyo still surviving from the Edo Period.

The gardens are a treasure of botanical gold, with well over 200 different species of plants. Indebted to traditional Japanese sensibilities, Hyakkaen features what are known as the classic seven herbs of spring and the seven herbs of fall. Plum blossoms are particularly popular during spring and, with 360 trees planted, it is easy to understand why. Summer brings outs the hydrangeas which, like the plum blossoms, draw in the crowds.

The traditional Japanese garden layout is certainly one of the most impressive features of Hyakkaen. The gardens are by no means large, but you would have a difficult time working that out - visitors are always surrounded by a sense of nature.

Another feature of Hyakkaen is the nod it gives to traditional and classical literature. Dotted throughout the gardens are stone monuments engraved with choice pieces of prose and poetry. A deliberate design choice by the gardens' creators, the artistic merits of both literature and nature merge here - the traditional Japanese house only adds to the charm.

The extremely low entry fee of 150 yen makes it easy to enjoy repeat visits and, barring a short period over New Year, the gardens are open year round. My first visit was in winter and while the colour was absent, the winter sun offered some very poignant displays of light and shadow.

Getting there

Take the Tobu Skytree Line to Higashi-mukojima Station. Head right from the exit and follow the train line to the first main intersection. Turn right and follow the road until you see the gardens. Straightforward to get to, it's about a 5-6 minute walk.

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Bonson Lam 5 years ago
You have a wonderful way with words. I was in this neighbourhood in autumn but didn’t know about this place, thank you for showing another side of this district.
Bonson Lam 5 years ago
I feel that visiting these kind of places is like peeling an onion. When I visit the same place, in a different season or time of my life, I learn something new. A bit like seeing your favourite movie anew after a few years, and discovering something you didn't know before.
Elena Lisina 5 years ago
I bet it's beautiful in spring!
Sleiman Azizi Author 5 years ago
I'm hoping to find out sooner rather than later.
Elizabeth S 5 years ago
I went on a warm afternoon in May. The contrast between the pond and Tokyo Sky Tree in the background was startling. I want to go again!
Sleiman Azizi Author 5 years ago
It's a lovely place and well worth the visit.
Kim 5 years ago
The view out over the pond is lovely! I’m always happy to find places that are less known than other, busier tourist spots!
Sleiman Azizi Author 5 years ago
It really is a lovely place. Even though it was winter and ‘colourless’ it still felt beautiful. I’m very much looking forward to visiting during the colour seasons.

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