Ten minutes' walk from Meguro Station, Happo-En is one of Tokyo's most pleasant traditional gardens. The name means 'beautiful from any angle', which explains its appeal as a venue for weddings; come here at the weekend and you're likely to see happy couples being photographed with the garden as their backdrop. Designed around a central pond, the garden is home to venerable bonsai trees, an ancient stone lantern, and a teahouse where you can enjoy tea and snacks served by ladies in kimonos.
- 1 min read
Happo-En Garden, Shirokanedai
A blissful green oasis in the middle of Tokyo
![Peter Sidell Peter Sidell](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/151/240x240!/565e87d367ba810c868b6847.jpg)
By Peter Sidell
Community writer
![The pond is inhabited by carp who gather expectantly when they see visitors at the water's edge](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/2914-17955/1000/tokyo-happo-en-17955.jpg)
The pond is inhabited by carp who gather expectantly when they see visitors at the water's edge
![Cherry-blossoms cast cool shade on the tall stone pagoda](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/2914-17945/1000/tokyo-happo-en-17945.jpg)
Cherry-blossoms cast cool shade on the tall stone pagoda
![There are a handful of places to sit and rest around the pond](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/2914-17952/1000/tokyo-happo-en-17952.jpg)
There are a handful of places to sit and rest around the pond
![This large lantern stands sentinel at the entrance](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/2914-17946/1000/tokyo-happo-en-17946.jpg)
This large lantern stands sentinel at the entrance
![For those few days in spring, the entrance is wreathed in cherry-blossom flowers](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/2914-17947/1000/tokyo-happo-en-17947.jpg)
For those few days in spring, the entrance is wreathed in cherry-blossom flowers
![The path into the garden is also planted with cherry-blossom trees](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/2914-17948/1000/tokyo-happo-en-17948.jpg)
The path into the garden is also planted with cherry-blossom trees
![Visitors to the garden admire bonsai trees older than themselves](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/2914-17950/1000/tokyo-happo-en-17950.jpg)
Visitors to the garden admire bonsai trees older than themselves
![The paths lead down to a serene pond](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/2914-17951/1000/tokyo-happo-en-17951.jpg)
The paths lead down to a serene pond
![Said to be 800 years old, this lantern stands calmly in the grasses near the pond](https://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/2914-17954/1000/tokyo-happo-en-17954.jpg)
Said to be 800 years old, this lantern stands calmly in the grasses near the pond
![A view down to the pond from the terrace above](https://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/2914-17956/1000/tokyo-happo-en-17956.jpg)
A view down to the pond from the terrace above
![Visitors enjoy the calming atmosphere as they stroll slowly around the garden](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/2914-17957/1000/tokyo-happo-en-17957.jpg)
Visitors enjoy the calming atmosphere as they stroll slowly around the garden
Join the discussion
Wouter Thielen
12 years ago
4 years in Tokyo, and I have never heard of this gem! Thanks for sharing it!
1 comment in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
KAMENOI HOTEL ASO PARK RESORT
Kumamoto - Sponsored -
2
Mount Fuji Viewing Spots Around Shizuoka City
Activities -
3
Tips for Sakura Viewing in Japan
Activities -
4
Sakura Season at Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Starbucks Announces Sakura-inspired Frappuccino
News -
6
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo’s New Executive Lounge and “The Pagoda in the Clouds”
Tokyo - Sponsored -
7
Miyakejima: An Island Adventure From Land to Sea
Tokyo - Sponsored -
8
Fun Expo 2025 Souvenirs to Take Home
News -
9
Miyoko Schinner’s Vegan Japan Tour
Culture -
10
Spend the Day in Sapporo: Japan’s Northern Metropolis
Hokkaido - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
March Grand Sumo Tournament (Osaka)
Osaka -
5
January Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
6
Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba -
7
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
8
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
9
Wonder Festival
Chiba -
10
Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
Shizuoka