Hama-rikyu Gardens

Hama-rikyu stands out from other gardens in Tokyo in that it isn’t known for its weeping cherry blossom or maple foliage, but its bright pink plum trees that blossom in late winter. This tranquil garden, once a hunting ground for the Tokugawa shogunate, now cowers in the shadow of the Shiodome development. The garden’s main appeal lies in the abundance of water in and around it and the fact that it feels deceptively spacious, thanks to beautiful landscaping. Located on reclaimed land, it is surrounded by an ancient walled moat with two entrances, over the Otemon and Naka-no-gomon bridges (it’s also possible to reach Hama-rikyu by boat from Asakusa). The focal points are the huge tidal pond, which contains two islands (one with a teahouse) connected to the shore by charming wooden bridges, and a photogenic 300-year-old pine tree.