When is the last time you go on a picnic with your family? Do you usually have to check your schedule to make sure you really have free time? What about this weekend? There is no need to go to a far place just to have quality time with your loved ones. If you stay in Tokyo, you can visit Hamarikyu Park.
Hama Rikyu Gardens is located at the Sumida River’s mouth on Tokyo Bay and opened to the public. Surrounded by Shiodome district scrapers, this park looks like a small oasis where visitors can feel the real sense of Japanese nature and tea.
History of Hamarikyu Park
Before being opened to the public, Hamarikyu Park was first a reclaimed land owned by the 4th Tokugawa Shogun, the younger brother of Ietsuna in 1654. He built a residence called Kofu Hama-yashiki or Kofu beach pavilion there.
From that time onward, the park has passed some renovations done by the Shoguns. But after the Meiji Restoration, this garden turned into a detached palace and was used by the Imperial family. The name also changed becoming the Hama Rikyu or Hama Detached Palace. But the Great Kanto Earthquake and World War II bombings destroyed the garden, making it almost unrecognizable.
Once handed to the City of Tokyo and opened for the public in April of 1946 by the Imperial family, Hama Rikyu was added with some unique features. It is including a tea house on an island as the main sightseeing spot. Now, Hama Rikyu is known as a natural gateway in enjoying four seasons in Japan.
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Attractions
1. Shioiri-no-like
The pond water is taken from the bay, which is the only seawater pond remaining within Tokyo. There are also many types of fish living in the pond, like sea bass, black mullet, gobies, and eels.
2. 300-year pine
A large pin was planted to celebrate the renovation of Hama Rikyu Park. It was the time of the 6th Shogun, Ienobu. This pine has survived until today.
3. Kamoba
Kamoba is a duck hunting site. There are two in the park, i.e. Koshin-do Kamoba which was built in 1178, and Shinshen-za Kamoba which was built in 1791. There are also duck blinds used to observe the ducts and feed them. When they get closer, they will be coughed using nets.
4. O-tsutai-Bashi/ Nakajima-no-ochaya
It is a long bridge made from “hinoki” or Japanese cypress. Completed in May 1997, the 118m long bridge connects Kono-Ji Shima with Nakajima. Since it was first built in 1704, the tea house has been continuously used by the Imperial family. It was renovated in 1983.
5. The Peony Garden and the flower field
There are 1000 plants in the garden consisting of 60 different types of peonies. They usually bloom colorfully in the spring. It also looks beautiful in the fall.
How to get there
To reach Hama Rikyu Park, you will have to head to Shiodome Station or Shinbashi Station, depending on where you come from. These exits are accessible for wheelchair users:
- Toei Oedo Line – exit 7 at Shiodome Station
- Tokyo Metro Ginza Line – elevator between Exit 4 and 5 at Shinbashi Station
- Toeo Asakusa Line – Exit via metro Ginza exits with an accessible escalator at Shinbashi Station
- Various JR Lines – Karasumori Exit and Ginza Exit at Shibnashi Station
- Yurikamome Line – West Exit at Shinbasi Station
There is an alternative transportation mode after the train, i.e. the boat. It runs from Asakusa where wheelchair users can also get on. However, some docks are not accessible.
When to get there
There are different events based on the seasons held in Hama Rikyu Park. You can simply save the date. But it is also possible to visit the park on the weekend as it opens daily from 9 am to 17 pm with the last entry at 16:30.
Read Also: Top 10 Things To Do in Tokyo
Hama Rikyu Park is open to the public, whether it is domestic or foreign visitors. It means you can also come by this garden when visiting Tokyo, maybe after meeting your clients. So, are you ready to go to Japan? Book your next flight with Airpaz and enjoy the best prices, hassle-free booking, and convenient payment options. Don’t wait, book now and travel with ease
