Within the gardens, the Taisho Memorial Museum displays an original collection of Izu Buddhist art to visitors for a fee. The stones in the pond double as stepping stone paths as well, allowing you to cross the water while admiring the turtles and koi fish swimming about. However, it didn’t survive the Great Kanto Earthquake that devastated the city in 1923. There also once stood a Tudor-brick building built by an English architect a generation ago. Pine, azalea, hydrangea, iris, and Taiwan cherry are some of the most frequent plants you’ll see once you step foot in this garden.īut perhaps the most remarkable landmark of this landscape garden is the presence of decorative stones set around the grounds and pond. and costs ¥300 (about $3) for adults under 65. Admission to the garden is open from 9:00 A.M.

The garden’s a 7-minute walk from Komagome station. The combined effect of these elements makes Rikugien Gardens one of Tokyo’s most picturesque and unique places. One other cool feature of the garden is the Garyu-Seiki (Sleeping Dragon Rock), a half-submerged rock that resembles a sleeping dragon. The highest peak, Fujishiro-toge (“Fuji-view peak”) provides an unobstructed view of the scenic landscape beneath it. The garden draws its style from the classical Edo period, featuring rolling hills and a vast pond that covers the span of the garden from north to south. 32 of those markers can still be found today. Perhaps the most distinctive piece of history of this garden, however, is that 88 stone markers once dotted the landscape of the gardens in 1702. The garden was donated by the Iwasaki family during the Showa era in 1938, and 15 years later, it was deemed an important cultural asset by the city of Tokyo. Beyond its gorgeous ponds and tranquil spots, Rikugien carries with it a fascinating history as well. It can take up to an hour to cover the entire area on foot.

Located in Bunkyo Ward’s Komagome, Rikugien Gardens is one of Tokyo’s more beautiful and spacious gardens.

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