Stark contrast between the old and the new (Photo: Stefan Bauer / JT)
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Hamarikyu Garden

Explore Tokyo’s most attractive landscape garden

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Temporary hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Explore Tokyo’s most attractive and historic landscape garden as Shiodome’s giant concrete towers provide a contrasting backdrop. What was originally the garden of a feudal lord’s residence from the Edo Period (1603-1867), is now a hotspot for both tourists and residents alike.

Tokyo is well known for having stark contrasts between the old and new, and Shidome’s skyscrapers overlooking the traditional garden only reinforces that fact. The garden is roughly divided into two areas, the south garden where the feudal lord’s garden lay and the north garden, which was developed after the Meiji period.

Particular points of interest in the north garden are the grove of ume plums, the 300-year old pine tree, the field of elegant flowers and the wild duck hunting site. The south garden is as equally impressive boasting an array of soul-calming land marks such as Otsutai Bridge, Shioiri pond, Kamozuka hillock and finally, an outdoor rest space to absorb the luscious view.

A noteworthy feature of the garden is the inclusion of tidal ponds, which consist of sea water. The water levels of these mirror-like ponds change with the tides from Tokyo Bay. This was by no means a coincidence as people from the Edo Period constructed it this way so the water’s attributes could change along with the seasons.

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Olga 8 years ago
The garden is really nice, especially when in bloom!
Tyra 'nell Pille-Lu 11 years ago
Wow! This gives me another perspectives about Tokyo. I only imagine the city as a mere contemporary industrialized commercial hub. I never knew they preserved something from the past like this park mentioned, and indeed, the tidal pond really intrigues me. Thanks for sharing this. As a first impression, I never liked Tokyo since I am more of a person crazy over historical and natural spots, yet you changed my mind with this article.
Sarah Mathews 11 years ago
The tidal ponds sound very interesting. I have always thought about visiting Hamarikyu but haven't got there yet. I will try to get there soon!

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