Rikugien Garden Tokyo
A meticulously crafted Edo-period garden in Tokyo, renowned for its stunning seasonal beauty, especially cherry blossoms and autumn maples.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Weeping cherry blossoms bloom
Rikugien Garden Tokyo
Best Time
Weeping cherry blossoms bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A meticulously crafted Edo-period garden in Tokyo, renowned for its stunning seasonal beauty, especially cherry blossoms and autumn maples.
"A tranquil oasis in Tokyo, Rikugien Garden offers breathtaking seasonal beauty and a peaceful escape."
🎯 Check Bloom Forecasts
Bloom times vary! Check forecasts for cherry blossoms & autumn leaves to catch the peak beauty.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on paths and gravel. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Weeping Cherry Blossoms
Central area
Witness the breathtaking spectacle of a massive weeping cherry tree in full bloom, its branches cascading like a floral waterfall.
Autumn Maple Foliage
Throughout the garden
Experience a vibrant tapestry of red, orange, and yellow as maple leaves transform the landscape into a fiery masterpiece.
Central Pond Reflections
Tsutsuji-chaya teahouse area
Marvel at the serene pond reflecting the surrounding trees and traditional teahouses, creating a picturesque, mirror-like scene.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Peak Blooms
Beat the Crowds for Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Bloom Forecasts
Bloom times vary! Check forecasts for cherry blossoms & autumn leaves to catch the peak beauty.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on paths and gravel. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
🍱 Picnic Lunch Delight
Grab a bento from Komagome Station and enjoy a peaceful picnic by the pond.
📸 Early Bird Photography
Visit early on a sunny morning for the best light and fewer people for stunning photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Bloom Forecasts
Bloom times vary! Check forecasts for cherry blossoms & autumn leaves to catch the peak beauty.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on paths and gravel. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
🍱 Picnic Lunch Delight
Grab a bento from Komagome Station and enjoy a peaceful picnic by the pond.
📸 Early Bird Photography
Visit early on a sunny morning for the best light and fewer people for stunning photos.
🌸 Azaleas in Spring
Don't miss the vibrant azaleas, which bloom for a few days in late spring.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Rikugien Garden for its stunning natural beauty, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. The tranquil atmosphere and meticulous landscaping are frequently highlighted as major draws, offering a peaceful escape within the city. Some visitors note that it can get crowded during peak times, and the admission fee is a minor point for some.
"It's a good place. You can get experience from exploring the nature and history in same time, with cheap tickets too! The area is pretty big, and can give you fresh air even in the middle of summer (ngl summer in tokyo is so freaking hot) but it's feel nice here."
Mavi Andraste
"Rikugien is famous for its shitare Sakura or willow Sakura. There is night light up event going on right now. It is very grand and I think it’s larger than the one at Ueno Park entrance.
Inside park it is also beautifully designed. There were some camellia blooming. But I don’t like one thing though. Since winter just passed so the grass is still yellowish dry. I hope spring will bring some lushes of green into the garden azalea and hydrangeas please come back quickly. I am not sure if they have these flowers since this is my first visit to this garden."
satsuki hoshino
"The garden is peaceful, featuring a large central pond where turtles can often be seen. Near the entrance, visitors can pick up small, colorful paper umbrellas for free to enjoy a stroll around the park. By the pond, a small and charming teahouse offers the chance to taste green tea and traditional sweets for 10000 yen. It also sells handcrafted paper items. Just behind the teahouse, a small grassy hill provides a higher vantage point for viewing the garden. Please note: there are large mosquitoes in the area."
Luca P.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rikugien Garden is easily accessible by public transport. Take the JR Yamanote Line or Tokyo Metro Namboku Line to Komagome Station, which is about a 7-10 minute walk from the garden entrance.
Yes, Rikugien Garden is relatively close to other popular spots like Ueno Park and the Koishikawa Botanical Garden, making it easy to combine visits.
While driving is possible, parking in the area can be challenging and expensive. Public transportation is highly recommended for visiting Rikugien Garden.
From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Yamanote Line directly to Komagome Station. The journey takes approximately 20-25 minutes.
The Tokyo Metro Namboku Line stops at Komagome Station, offering another convenient option to reach the garden.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Rikugien Garden is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:30 PM. Hours may vary slightly during special illuminations or seasons.
Admission to Rikugien Garden is ¥300 for adults. Children under elementary school age are free.
Tickets are usually purchased at the entrance on the day of your visit. There's no need for advance booking for regular admission.
Yes, Rikugien Garden often hosts special evening illuminations during cherry blossom season and autumn foliage, which may have separate admission fees and extended hours.
The garden has some paved paths, but many areas have gravel or uneven terrain. Accessibility can be limited in certain sections.
📸 📸 Photography
The central pond with its reflections, the iconic weeping cherry tree, and the various bridges and teahouses offer fantastic photo opportunities. The autumn foliage is also a photographer's dream. 
Yes, photography is generally allowed in Rikugien Garden. However, please be mindful of other visitors and avoid using tripods in crowded areas.
Early mornings, especially on sunny days, offer the best light and fewer crowds for photography. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also be beautiful.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in Japanese gardens and parks to ensure the safety and tranquility of visitors.
Locals often recommend capturing the reflections in the central pond and the dramatic cascade of the weeping cherry tree. The stone bridge is also a popular spot.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Explore the meticulously maintained landscape, enjoy the seasonal blooms and foliage, relax at teahouses, and take photos of the picturesque scenery.
Allocate at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully appreciate the garden's beauty and tranquility. You might want more time if you plan to have a picnic or attend a special event.
There are teahouses within the garden where you can enjoy matcha and traditional Japanese sweets. For a full meal, consider bringing a bento from nearby.
The garden is renowned for its large weeping cherry tree, the central pond with its scenic views, and the vibrant autumn colors.
Absolutely! The serene atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and tranquil ponds make Rikugien Garden a perfect spot for couples.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful that it's a place for quiet enjoyment, so encourage children to speak softly and respect the serene atmosphere. Look out for the seasonal highlights like the weeping cherry blossoms in spring or the vibrant autumn leaves, which can be exciting for kids to see. While there aren't specific playgrounds, the natural beauty and open spaces provide a wonderful opportunity for children to connect with nature and learn about Japanese garden design.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
Key subjects include the magnificent weeping cherry tree in spring and the vibrant maple leaves in autumn. Don't miss the picturesque bridges and traditional teahouses, which add architectural interest to your compositions. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to capture the garden's serene beauty and intricate details.
+1❤️ Couples Seeking Romance
Sharing a moment at one of the teahouses with a cup of matcha and some traditional sweets can add a special touch to your visit. The garden's beauty, especially during the peak bloom or foliage seasons, offers a naturally romantic ambiance that is hard to beat.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Japanese Garden Design at Rikugien
Key elements include the 'Tsutsuji-chaya' (azalea teahouse) and the 'Naka-no-shima' (central island), which are focal points for viewing the surrounding landscape. The garden's design also incorporates borrowed scenery (shakkei), subtly integrating distant natural elements into the garden's composition. This creates a harmonious blend between the man-made landscape and the natural environment. Visitors can appreciate the careful placement of every tree, rock, and water feature, all contributing to the garden's overall aesthetic appeal and its ability to transport one away from the bustling city.
During peak seasons, like the blooming of the weeping cherry trees or the vibrant autumn maples, the garden becomes a living masterpiece. The reflections in the central pond further enhance the visual experience, doubling the beauty of the surrounding flora. The garden's history as a private retreat for a powerful lord adds a layer of cultural significance, offering a glimpse into the aesthetic values and leisure pursuits of Japan's feudal era.
Seasonal Spectacles: What to Expect When
Summer offers lush greenery, providing a cool and shaded escape. While not as visually dramatic as spring or autumn, the dense foliage creates a serene and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful stroll. The garden's ponds and streams are particularly refreshing during the warmer months.
The undisputed star of autumn is the maple foliage (momiji). From late November to early December, the garden transforms into a breathtaking display of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. The contrast between the vibrant leaves and the traditional garden structures is a photographer's delight. Special evening illuminations are often held during this period, offering a magical viewing experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit