Rikugien Garden, a beautiful Japanese garden in Tokyo, provides a serene environment with a central pond and meandering pathways. Originating from 1695, it showcases Edo’s allure with elevated hills and a picturesque lake. In spring, the weeping cherry blossoms offer a pleasant view, especially at night when illuminated, creating a delightful experience.
Welcome to my blog! Today, I am delighted to share with you one of the places that I absolutely adore and have had the pleasure of visiting multiple times.
Just a stone’s throw away, Kichijoji temple near the garden features a collection of impressive weeping cherry trees. This lesser-known spot offers a secluded area for individuals to enjoy the enchanting scenery, surrounded by the graceful allure of the blossoms.
The video I’ve selected from YouTube is right here.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
Rikugien, situated right in the heart of the city, is a Japanese garden that effortlessly radiates tranquility, providing a serene haven where one can immerse themselves in the beauty of each season. With a central pond and a winding path encircling it, this carefully designed garden invites visitors to leisurely stroll amidst the ever-changing scenery of vibrant flora, creating a truly soothing and peaceful experience.
Dating back to 1695 and taking seven years to complete, Rikugien is a prime example of Edo’s exquisite gardens, showcasing its literary charm through the incorporation of small elevated hills and a picturesque representation of a lake. From the elevated hills, one can marvel at the entire garden, revealing its captivating allure in full view.
Spread across an expansive twenty-one acres, Rikugien boasts more than 70 cherry blossom trees, including the elegant weeping cherry, the iconic Somei Yoshino, Yama Zakura, and Sato Zakura varieties. The weeping cherry, notably prominent in Rikugien, can be found in the plaza just beyond the main gate and the inner garden gate. Among them, a magnificent specimen stands tall at approximately 15 meters in height and spans around 20 meters in width, displaying its majestic presence. The other three weeping cherry trees bloom nearby, further enhancing the grandeur of this central spectacle.
Best Time to Visit
During the late March and early April period, Rikugien is renowned for its stunning weeping cherry blossoms. These captivating trees, adorned with delicate pale pink flowers on cascading branches, create a mesmerizing sight reminiscent of a waterfall, leaving visitors in awe. It is a time when numerous tourists gather to witness this remarkable spectacle. As April progresses, the fully bloomed petals gracefully fall, providing a poetic exhibition of nature’s fleeting beauty.
Taking a photo of the weeping cherry trees at Rikugien without any people in the frame can be challenging due to their popularity. However, for those who wish to capture the enchanting blossoms in solitude, there is a helpful suggestion to consider. Arriving 15 minutes before the park opens at 9 am allows visitors to take part in the designated “Photography Time.” During this period, guests are encouraged to take photos from a slight distance, ensuring a clearer shot with fewer people in the frame.
If you happen to be staying in Tokyo, I recommend visiting Rikugien at night as well. Seeing the illuminated weeping cherry blossoms is an enchanting experience. The delicate flowers seem to float in the darkness, captivating viewers with their ethereal beauty.
It is worth noting that Rikugien hosts illumination events in both spring and autumn. Renowned as a popular spot for autumn foliage as well, the evening illuminations in both seasons offer a magical experience that should not be missed.
Hidden Cherry Blossom Gems in the Neighborhood
By the way, did you know that there is a hidden cherry blossom spot near Rikugien?
Located just a 10-minute walk from Rikugien, there is a temple called Kichijoji. It’s conveniently accessible within approximately a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Namboku Line’s “Hon-Komagome” Station or a 15-minute walk from Toei Subway Mita Line’s “Hakusan” Station.
Inside the temple grounds, you will be captivated by the stunning sight of weeping cherry trees lining the approach on both sides, creating a picturesque scene. Additionally, there is a bell tower surrounded by Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, adding to the enchantment.
While this temple is not officially recognized as a tourist attraction, access is restricted primarily for the general public, particularly for tourist groups. Nevertheless, individual visitors are welcome to explore the temple grounds and admire the cherry blossoms. In fact, those who are aware of this hidden gem often gather there to indulge in activities like photography and appreciating the breathtaking scenery.
Culture, History, and Traditions
Rikugien is a Japanese garden with a rich history dating back over 300 years. It showcases a central pond, symbolizing Lake Biwa, embraced by a lush forested setting, and incorporates exquisite landscapes inspired by diverse regions of Japan, as depicted in waka poetry.
Since its opening to the public in 1938, it has captivated visitors with its serene beauty. Recognized as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the government in 1958, Rikugien is undeniably a beautiful garden.
Dining Guide
Inside the garden, you’ll discover delightful tea houses and resting areas scattered throughout. These charming establishments exude a traditional tea house atmosphere, and they offer a diverse selection of beverages, including fragrant matcha tea, along with delectable treats like dumplings and various sweets.
Indulging in the aroma of the matcha and savoring the delicate sweets while gazing out at the expansive pond in front of you, you can fully immerse yourself in a peaceful and pleasurable experience.
Moreover, Rikugien is situated in the heart of Tokyo, surrounded by numerous restaurants, making it effortless to find a dining establishment that caters to your preferences. You’ll even come across a restaurant (Japanese) that offers dishes featuring organically grown vegetables.
Accommodation
Getting to Rikugien, which is situated in the bustling center of Tokyo, is incredibly easy, regardless of where you’re staying in the Tokyo area. Tokyo offers a plethora of accommodation options, and you can conveniently make reservations online. However, it’s worth noting that accommodations in the city center generally come with a higher price tag, so opting for accommodations in the surrounding areas can be a cost-effective choice.
However, if you plan to visit during the early morning or illumination hours, it is advisable to consider accommodations located within the 23 special wards of Tokyo.
Transportation
Transportation options in Tokyo are highly developed, ensuring convenient access to any destination within the city. The transportation system is known for its efficiency and punctuality. In the event of unexpected disruptions, such as temporary train suspensions, alternative routes are readily available for passengers to navigate.
To reach Rikugien, the nearest station is Komagome Station, which is served by the JR Yamanote Line (green line) and the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line (N14) .
The closest entrance gate, Somei Gate, is a mere 1-minute walk away and is open exclusively during the cherry blossom season. During other seasons, visitors can enter through the main gate, which is a pleasant 7-minute walk from the Somei Gate.
Moreover, Rikugien can also be accessed from Senkoku Station (I14) on the Tokyo Metro Mita Line. In this case, it takes approximately 10 minutes on foot to reach the main gate.
Budget and Transportation Tips
Rikugien Gardens are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage illuminations, they stay open until 9:00 PM. The admission fee for adults is 300 yen, and if you’re 65 years old or above, you can take advantage of a 50% discount on the ticket price.
As mentioned before, if you’re interested in capturing stunning photos, I suggest arriving around 8:30 AM to ensure you have enough time to purchase your tickets beforehand. This will enable you to maximize your photography experience and take advantage of the fantastic opportunities available.
Tokyo, the bustling capital city, is renowned for its extensive underground railway network that crisscrosses the metropolis, offering seamless transportation to numerous destinations.
The subway system in Tokyo is operated by two different companies, and they provide a convenient option called the “Tokyo Subway Ticket“. This ticket grants unlimited access to all 13 subway lines and is available for three durations: 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours. If you’re planning to explore Tokyo for a few days, I recommend investing in this ticket for a stress-free and unrestricted travel experience throughout the city.
Weather Guide
From late March to early April, Tokyo enjoys a delightful and pleasant season. However, mornings and evenings can be cool, so it’s a good idea to dress in layers and adjust your clothing accordingly.
Also, please take note that the pathways throughout Rikugien Garden and the route connecting Somei Gate and the garden can occasionally be muddy. If you plan to walk along these paths, it is recommended to wear footwear that is waterproof or resistant to moisture. Additionally, in the evening, the lighting in the area can be dim, making it challenging to spot puddles, so please be cautious and pay attention to your footing.
