Top 10 Gardens To Visit In Tokyo

OT Staff & Waquar Habib

Shinjuku Gyoen

An expansive park with Japanese, English and French gardens, famed for cherry blossoms, greenhouse, ponds and manicured lawns; a peaceful urban escape beloved for seasonal events and photography.

A shot of Shinjuku Gyoen | traveltreasures.asia/instagram

Rikugien

Edo-period strolling garden inspired by classical poetry; features a central pond, man-made hills, teahouses and illuminated autumn evenings — perfect for contemplative walks and night illumination.

At Rikugien | itsyourjapan/instagram

Koishikawa Korakuen

One of Tokyo’s oldest Edo-period daimyo gardens, showcasing ponds, stone arrangements, teahouses and seasonal blossoms; compact, historically layered landscape close to Tokyo Dome and university grounds with history.

A bridge at Koishikawa Korakuen | @mikik0307/x

Hama-rikyu

Edo-period tidal garden beside Tokyo Bay with seawater ponds, a floating tea house and 300-year-old pine; tidal changes, tea ceremonies and skyline views make it uniquely maritime and historic.

A view of Hama-rikyu | tokyotokyooldmeetsnew/instagram

Kiyosumi Teien

Quiet landscape garden famed for carefully placed stones, strolling paths and a reflective pond; nearby museums and coffee shops make it a cultured, contemplative stop in eastern Tokyo.

A view of Kiyosumi Teien | @MissBrownsBoy/x

Imperial Palace East Gardens

Historic grounds built on Edo Castle ruins; enjoy moats, stone walls, seasonal flowers and preserved samurai-era structures — free entry, close to Tokyo’s political heart and museums.

Imperial Palace East Gardens | @mlwcafjkt/x

Shunkaen Bonsai Museum

Intimate private museum by master Kunio Kobayashi exhibiting centuries-old bonsai; tiny landscaped displays, demonstrations and expert guides reveal bonsai’s patient craftsmanship and care techniques.

A shot of the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum | tefutefulab/instagram

Happo-en

Elegantly manicured gardens dating to the Edo period, featuring koi ponds, ancient bonsai, tea houses and seasonal blooms; popular for weddings, tea ceremonies and intimate photoshoots and cultural events.

At the green Happo-en | happoen/instagram

Koishikawa Botanical Garden

University-run collection boasting diverse plants, seasonal cherry blossoms and a traditional garden; excellent for botany lovers, with informative displays and research facilities onsite and peaceful, tree-shaded avenues.

At the Koishikawa Botanical Garden | dmytro_avramenko/instagram

Kyu Shiba Rikyu

Compact Edo-era daimyo garden near Hamamatsuchō with winding paths, bridges, a central pond and seasonal wisteria; serene oasis framed by Tokyo’s skyscrapers and accessibility.

A view of Kyu Shiba Rikyu | @citycostjapan/x

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