Autumn Colors in the Japanese Garden of Hamarikyu, Tokyo City

2016-11-28 Kozue

Honestly, Hamarikyu Garden is NOT the best spot to view autumn leaves in Tokyo. I recommend Rikugien Garden and Koishikawa Korakuen Garden better than Hamarikyu unless you don’t have much time to move place to place in Tokyo.

However, I don’t mean to say that you can’t enjoy autumn leaves in Hamarikyu Garden, which is one of the largest Japanese gardens in Tokyo originally built by samurais in 1654. In this article, I’d like to share the beautiful photos taken in Hamarikyu, things to do there and practical travel information with you.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — Red Maple Leaves in Hamarikyu Garden & a modern building behind

When you get the ticket and enter the garden, just proceed to the pond. While walking, you’ll find some maple trees that are fully red!

The best place in Hamarikyu Garden is the area around the pond. Importantly, the house is not just a display – we can have a cup of matcha there! It’s a must-do to take a matcha break in Hamarikyu Garden. Never forget it.

Hamarikyu Garden has something outstanding. Yes, it’s Tokyo Tower. This view cannot seen in any other place!

These red leaves are haze, which I reported in the last post.

Although there are less maple trees in Hamarikyu than in Rikugien and Koishikawa Korakuen, you can find an arch of red maple trees.

Located near Tokyo Bay, so many water birds are napping in the pond.

The straw ropes surrounding the pine trees are “yuki-tsuri,” which are protecting them from snow. Gardeners set yuki-tsuri in autumn, so it is something seasonal. Consequently, it’s a must-see.

The reflection in the pond is really beautiful.

Let me repeat that Hamarikyu is not the very best spot for autumn leaves in Tokyo. But you see, you can enjoy them!

There is a ferry stop inside the garden, so you can move to Asakusa and Odaiba directly from Hamarikyu Garden. It seems many visitors, including Japanese travelers from Osaka, have an efficient travel schedule to take the ferry.

Especially, when maple leaves turn red, winter lights start at Caretta Shiodome, the neighboring building! After strolling in the traditional natural beauty in the Japanese garden, you can explore the very modern part of Tokyo, which is special in this district.

Hope you enjoyed Japanese autumn on TDD. Which place do you want to visit for autumn leaves?

Visitor Information of Hamarikyu Garden

How to Get to Hamarikyu Garden

The major station nearby is Shimbashi. JR Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Ginza Subway Line and Asakusa Subway Line stop there. It is a 12 minutes walk to Hamarikyu Garden.

Insider’s Tip 1

When you get off the JR Yamanote or Keihin-Tohoku Line train at Shimbashi, go out of Shiodome Exit. It is the nearest to the garden.

Insider’s Tip 2

To avoid confusion, I advise you to take JR Yamanote Line, not Keihin-Tohoku Line, because Kaihin-Tohoku Line trains skip Shimbashi in daytime.

Insider’s Tip 3

You can walk from Hamamatsucho Station, which is next to Shimbashi, but a little far. I recommend Shimbashi.

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You can also walk from Shiodome or Tsukiji Shijo Station of Oedo Subway Line. It is a 7 minutes walk.

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Opening Hours

9:00 – 17:00 (Admission by 16:30) Closed on 29 December – 1 January

Admission Fees

300 yen for Adult, Free for Elementary School Student or younger

MORE Autumn Leaves on Tokyo Direct Diary

Autumn Colors in Rikugien Garden, Tokyo City – One of the largest Japanese garden in Tokyo which was built by samurais. Famous for many maple trees. You can have a cup of matcha, too!

Autumn Colors in Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Tokyo City – This might be the very best spot for autumn leaves in Tokyo…

Kamakura – In my opinion, the old capital of samurais is the best day trip destination from Tokyo. You can see the Great Buddha with autumn leaves. The peak comes at the same time to Tokyo.

& more!