Not a popular destination for foreign visitors, Hama Rikyu (浜離宮) Garden in Tokyo is a lovely park well worth a visit.
浜離宮恩賜庭園
Originally a hunting retreat of the Tokugawa Shogun families, there are many unique features in the garden, such as duck-hunting blinds and a horseback riding area. The large centerpiece pond is saltwater, and the level is regulated by a series of locks feeding into Tokyo Bay.
At the edge of the pond is a teahouse where visitors can enjoy matcha green tea and sweets. Though the current teahouse was rebuilt after the fire bombing of WWII, it follows the same style that has been there for centuries. Looming in the background and reflecting in the pond are huge, modern skyscrapers. These skyscrapers have been a point of great debate about the park, because some people say that it has destroyed the beauty, and others say that it accents the beauty by showing the contrast with nature.
Hama-rikyū Gardens (浜離宮恩賜庭園)
There are also beautiful plantings throughout the park that provide changing colors throughout the year, from a plum grove and yellow rapeweed fields in the spring to changing tree leaf colors and a cosmos field blooming in the fall.
The Tsubame no Ochaya feudal-era guest house used during the Edo Period (1603-1867) has recently been restored to its original state and the interior will be available for viewing starting June 1, 2015. The builders employed a roofing method called “Kokerabuki” in which wood shingles are layered to make the roof. Inside, the “zashiki,” a tatami mat room, has a raised area where the shogun would sit.
A free English electronic audio guide is available at the Otemon and Nakanogomon Gate entrances of Hama Rikyu Garden which details several self-guided walking courses through the garden. The courses vary in length from 60-90 minutes and use pictures and video to explain the various historical spots, flowers and trees that you can see along the way.
If you have time to visit, Hama Rikkyu is an interesting addition to any itinerary. Consider pairing it with the Sumida River Cruise, which docks inside the garden.
For a video of the gardens, t66tube has a nice walkthrough of these serene gardens with magnificant city contrasts.
Hama Rikyu does not have its own website, but shares one with other Tokyo gardens. It has good access information and maps: http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/english/park/detail_04.html
The Tokyo Travel website has good photographs and access information: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3025.html
Getting there: Hama Rikyu is about a 15 minute walk toward the bay from the JR Shimbashi Station. Much closer is the Tokyo Metro Shiodome Station serving the Oedo line subway.
photos by:
philippe.charles9 &
dbaron
