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5 Reasons to Go to Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden for Plum & Early-Blooming Cherry Blossoms

I know that Mukojima Hyakka-en Garden is not as well-known as other Japanese gardens in Tokyo such as Rikugien and Hamarikyu. I admit that it is not located in a super convenient place.However, I have 5 reasons that I want you to learn it! You’ve found Blog Tokyo Direct Diary, so you won’t miss hidden gems in Tokyo!

1: Tokyo Skytree from a Japanese Garden

I don’t need to say. Tokyo’s new symbol is seen so close from Mukojima Hyakka-en Garden!

Tokyo Sky Tree from Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden

Skytree is beyond plum blossoms. This view is so attractive, isn’t it?

2: Unique Traditions & Two Seasons

Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden has 2 best seasons. One of them is plum blossom season in early March.

Plum Blossoms in Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden

This garden was built in the 19th century when samurais were walking in streets all around. The main attraction at that time was hundreds of plum trees.

Actually, there is a big difference between other Japanese gardens and Mukojima Hyakkaen.
Can you imagine what it is?




It is the fact that this garden was NOT built by samurais, but by Kikuu Sahara, a local antique seller in that age.

Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden – Very Different from Samurai’s Gardens

He collected many beautiful flowers, grasses and herbs that appear in classic literature, and named the garden, “Hyakka-en,” which means, “garden of hundred of flowers” in Japanese.

Plum Blossoms

Samurais didn’t built gardens in that kind of purpose. They had their how-to, and I really feel that the beauty of samurais’ gardens is impressive, but Mukojima Hyakkaen proves that it is not all.

 

 

In early March, Skytree is seen beyond plum blossoms.
Good news is that, in early April, it is beyond cherry blossoms and the pond!

Plum Blossoms and Tokyo Skytree

Cherry blossoms along Sumida River in Asakusa are undoubtedly beautiful. If Asakusa is on your travel schedule, how about considering Mukojima Hyakkaen?

Some visitors say that, compared with samurais’ large gardens, Mukojima Hyakkaen looks too wild and dismal. Especially in winter, I think.

The Pond in the Garden

But it’s a story when you have samurais’ metrics.
We can find beauty and elegance seen only here!

3: Early-Blooming Cherry Blossoms

When plum blossoms are at the peak in early March, you have some chances to see cherry blossoms that bloom earlier than standard sakura. This is kanhizakura (kan-hi-zakura) blooming fully in the garden.

Kan-hi-zakura, Cherry Blossoms that Bloom Early

 

A White-eye Pecking at Cherry Blossoms

 

4: Another High Season of the Garden

There are two high seasons. One is plum blossoms, and the other looks like this in March.

Famous Bush Clover Tunnel… in March

This tunnel becomes amazing in September. Please wait until September.

5: Japanese Herbs & Elegance

The antique seller collected grasses and herbs and flowers in classic literature, not huge trees. This tradition still remains. There are always some pots of seasonal herbs or grasses on display. Their quiet beauty is interesting to us, and I think it is even more to bonsai  or zen lovers.

A Pot of Japanese Herbs in Winter

Mukojima Hyakkaen is a Japanese garden of personality.

Did it win your heart? If so, explore the hidden gem!

Visitor Information on Mukojima Hyakka-en Garden

Opening Hours
9:00 – 17:00 (Enter by 16:30) Closed on 29 December – 3 January

Admission Fees
150 yen for Adult, Free for children under 13

How to Get to Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden

It is the easiest way to understand the access to assume that you are in Asakusa.
Take Tobu Skytree Line (also, Tobu Isezaki Line) to Higashi Mukojima that is 3 stations away from Asakusa. (You can catch the train at Oshiage and Tokyo Skytree, too.)
It is an 8 minutes walk to the garden.

For Travel Planning – Asakusa Sightseeing Guide by Tokyo Direct Guide

Tip: I advise you to guide yourself by seeing the signs and maps at Higashi Mukojima Station. And take a copy of Google maps. It is not as easy to find this garden as finding Kaminari-mon Gate in Asakusa.

Link to Google Maps

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