Rikugien Garden

It's not like listening to a poem or going through it, sitting on the green landscape. But it's like experiencing a poem while taking a stroll in Rikugien Garden in Tokyo. Probably that's why the word 'Rikugien' literally means "six poems garden". This, one of Tokyo's most beautiful, Japanese style landscape gardens, reproduces in miniature 88 scenes from famous poem.

In 1695, the fifth shogun presented this land to one of his loyal retainers, who had a lake dug on a small plateau and used the excavated soil to create miniature mountains. It is the spot which was originally laid out 300 years ago in Edo period. Secreted behind lofty walls, this 18th century aristocrat's personal field is now a public retreat of tranquility amidst the hubbub of the modern city.

Actually this garden was created as well as designed by the noted poet Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu around 1700. He shaped this landscape in order to express the 88 scenes described in Waka, a classic Japanese poem. Later this haven found its place in many travel guide books.

Rikugien is quite a spacious nook featuring a central pond, islands, forested areas, artificial hills and several teahouses. Are you taking your stroll at a leisurely speed? Then it will take about an hour to cover the garden's whole network. And during your walk you will see manicured grass, craftily twisted pine trees, curved rustic bridges over gurgling brooks, a lagoon filled with carp and small turtles. It is also a good spot for bird watching.

Ranging from maples and conifers to flowering camellias and magnolias, there are over 6,000 trees, both evergreen and deciduous. There is something to see here at all seasons of the year. Is it a winter time? The hills are alive with blossoming azaleas. In summer the spreading boughs of venerable trees provide welcome shade as you walk along the zigzag ways.

Approach the entrance gate; and see the famous 'weeping' cherry tree. In spring, it flourishes with gorgeous cherry blossoms. At night, the tree is lit with elegant lighting and looks extraordinary!

Admission: 300 Yen (Adult), for 11& under and 65 & over and disabled, it's free
Open: Daily 9:00 to 16:30
Access: 7 min on foot from Komagome Station on the JR Yamanote Line, or subway Namboku Line
Typical Tokyoite visitors: Elderly couple in matching hats
Best times of year: November (autumn tints), March (weeping cherry)
What to look out for: Gardeners trimming the grass with tiny scissors
You simply must: Try the frothy green tea at the tea house overlooking the lake
Address:
ZIP: 113-0021
6-16-3, Hon-komagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Other Facilities: Wheelchairs available; Pamphlet available in several languages

Light Display in Rikugien Garden: From Nov. 23th to Dec. 4
Hours: From sunset to 9:00 PM

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