A Tranquil Escape Amidst Tokyo’s Skyscrapers: Hamarikyu Gardens
Hamarikyu Gardens is a peaceful oasis nestled in the heart of Tokyo, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The entrance fee is incredibly affordable, making it a great spot to visit without breaking the bank. However, if you plan on using the few coin lockers available, it's best to arrive early, as they tend to fill up quickly.
The gardens themselves are absolutely stunning, with beautiful flowers in bloom throughout the seasons (check which flowers are in season in advance if you’re looking for certain ones). Walking paths wind through lush greenery, leading to tranquil ponds, and there are even historical shrines scattered throughout, adding a touch of culture to the natural beauty.
One of the highlights of Hamarikyu is the traditional tea house located in the middle of a pond. For an additional cost, you can enjoy a delicious matcha set while taking in the serene surroundings. It’s a perfect way to slow down and savor the moment.
What truly sets Hamarikyu apart is the breathtaking contrast between the serene beauty of the gardens and the towering skyscrapers that surround it. The views are a perfect reminder of how nature and urban life can coexist...
Read moreNOT MUCH GARDENS IN MAY, BUT NICE LITTLE OUTDOOR STROLL (Warning: Young adults from Central Florida/ America in for vacation) We entered this public park (with a very small entrance fee) on a decently hot May day. We didn’t see any ‘garden’ in the sense of the word; but you could see the shriveled up flowerbeds and bushes where it’d probably bloom during another part of the year.
ONE LITTLE SCENERY TO ANOTHER There’s a few sections of note. You could walk around the tea houses near the mini lake - sometimes they’re open for refreshments - but could only enter one of the structures-turned-museum. Strolling along the bridge over the mini lake provides some beautiful skyline views. There’s a 300-year-old tree near one of the entrances (I forgot the tree type) with branches so far flung that it’s held up by dozens and dozens of stilts to keep the branches up.
OVERALL, A LITTLE ESCAPE It was relatively quiet during our visit and was just a good stroll to escape the bustle of the city. The park is very well kept and almost beautiful in its simplistic styling. Kids and those with walking difficulty will find most paths accessible, and the...
Read moreHamarikyu Gardens is a beautiful and historic garden located in Tokyo, Japan. It is a traditional Japanese garden that dates back to the Edo period and is known for its serene atmosphere and picturesque landscapes.
The garden is situated next to Tokyo Bay and covers an area of about 25 hectares. It features a central pond called Shioiri-no-ike, which is connected to the bay and incorporates seawater into its design. Visitors can enjoy walking along the garden's paths, crossing elegant bridges, and admiring various seasonal flowers and plants.
Hamarikyu Gardens also boasts a tea house called Nakajima-no-Ochaya, where visitors can experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. It provides a tranquil setting to enjoy matcha tea and sweets while immersing oneself in the garden's peaceful ambiance.
The garden's history, scenic views, and harmonious blend of nature and architecture make it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It offers a serene escape from the bustling city and provides an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Japanese garden design and...
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