Tokyo's most beautiful garden was designed to reflect the aesthetic of traditional Waka poetry. Built by a feudal lord in 1702, it has walkways that pass over hills and stone bridges, and by trickling streams and scenes inspired by famous poems. There's a teahouse where you can drink matcha (¥500) al fresco while overlooking the garden's central pond.
There is almost always something in bloom at Rikugi-en, though the garden is most famous for its maple leaves in late autumn. Usually during late November and early December, the park stays open a few hours later and the trees are illuminated after sunset.
