Rikugien Gardens
By Andrew Liyan · Last updated: August 25, 2026 · Facts verified: August 25, 2026
- Area
- Komagome / Bunkyo
- Best For
- History, Photography, Nature
Visiting Rikugien Gardens
Rikugien Gardens is a historic Edo-period strolling garden in Bunkyo, Tokyo, constructed between 1695 and 1702 by daimyo Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, a trusted advisor to the fifth Tokugawa shogun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. Yanagisawa, himself deeply versed in classical waka poetry, personally directed the garden's design.
'Rikugien' means 'Garden of Six Poems,' referencing the six classical categories of waka poetry. The garden was designed to recreate 88 scenes evoked by classical waka poems, originally marked with stone tablets, 32 of which still remain today. Alongside Koishikawa Korakuen, it is widely regarded as one of Tokyo's two finest surviving Edo-period strolling gardens, and the city's most literary example of garden design.
After the Meiji Restoration, the property passed to the Iwasaki family, founders of Mitsubishi, in 1878, who used it as a private residence. It was donated to the city of Tokyo in 1938, opened to the public, and designated a national Special Place of Scenic Beauty in 1953.
The garden is organized around a large central pond with man-made hills, forested trails, and teahouses including Fukiage-jaya. Named highlights include the Fujishirotoge viewpoint, the garden's highest point with a panoramic view over the pond, and the Togetsukyo Bridge, formed from two large stone slabs.
Rikugien offers genuine four-season interest: a landmark weeping cherry tree near the main gate in spring, lush quiet greenery in summer, vivid maple and ginkgo color in autumn, and a bare structural beauty with plum blossoms in winter, making it a rewarding, less-touristed alternative to Tokyo's larger gardens at any time of year.
Things to Do at Rikugien Gardens
Climb to Fujishirotoge Viewpoint
Fujishirotoge, the garden's highest point, offers a panoramic view over the central pond and is one of Rikugien's most rewarding short walks.
See the Weeping Cherry Tree
A landmark weeping cherry tree near the main gate blooms late March to early April and is one of the garden's most photographed spring sights, often paired with an evening illumination event.
Visit for Autumn Maple Color
Maple and ginkgo foliage typically peaks late November into early December, the garden's most photographed season and, per visitor sentiment, its most consistently praised illumination event, generally less overcrowded than the spring cherry-blossom illumination.
How to Get to Rikugien Gardens
Rikugien has a year-round main gate and a second, seasonal-only gate, so which one to plan around depends on the time of year and onward plans.
Main Gate (year-round)
The main gate is a 7-minute walk from Komagome Station, served by the JR Yamanote Line (south exit) and the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line (exit 2).
Somei-mon Gate (illumination periods only)
The Somei-mon gate is a 10-minute walk from Sengoku Station (Toei Mita Line, exit A3), but opens only during the spring and autumn evening illumination events, not year-round.
Important Visitor Tips Before Arriving
The garden closes December 29 through January 1 each year.
Illumination event dates, hours, and ticket prices change annually and are typically announced only a few months ahead; confirm the current year's dates before planning a visit around one.
Two wheelchair routes are marked on the garden's own maps, with wheelchairs available to borrow at the main gate; most scenic hillside viewpoints and the narrow wooden bridges are not wheelchair accessible.
For IC cards, tickets, and full transit basics for Tokyo, see the complete transportation guide.
See the Getting Around Tokyo guide →Best Time to Visit Rikugien Gardens
Weekday mornings for a quiet visit; any season for its rotating highlights.
Entry Fee & Hours
- •Spring and autumn evening illumination events are held on a recurring pattern, but exact dates, hours, and ticket prices change annually and are typically confirmed only a few months ahead.
- •Two wheelchair routes are marked on the garden's maps, with wheelchairs available to borrow at the main gate; one accessible toilet is near the front entrance.
- •The Somei-mon gate near Sengoku Station opens only during illumination periods, not year-round.
Nearby Attractions
Combine with Rikugien Gardens on the same day
Suggested Itinerary
Pair Rikugien Gardens with these nearby stops for a full day in Komagome / Bunkyo.
Frequently Asked Questions
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