Rikugien Garden in Tokyo

In Tokyo, there are many traditional Japanese gardens. The Rikugien Garden 六義園, one of those gardens, was originally the land of Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, a subordinate of the Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. The Shogun gave him the land around the late 17th century.

The traditional garden reflects 88 scenes described in classic poems

Rikugien garden is known for the landscape derived from old poets. Yanagawa Yoshiyasu designed the garden in accordance with old poets and created the 88 scenes described in Waka, a classic Japanese poem in the Manyoshu or Kokinwakashu collection of poems.

The giant weeping cherry tree is also a must-see

Rikugien Garden is also known for a huge weeping cherry tree Shidare-zakura. As you approach the entrance gate, you will see this great 'weeping' cherry tree. In Spring, it blooms with beautiful cherry blossoms. At night, the tree is lit with gorgeous lighting and looks fantastic.

The Great Weeping Cherry Tree of Rikugien Garden.
Just imagine how beautiful the tree will be in the Spring, or in Autumn colours.

Don't be disappointed if you cannot see the tree in the spring, but any trip to Tokyo should include a springtime visit to view all the wonderful cherry tree blossoms throughout the city. And, if you are travelling to Tokyo in the autumn, you have a chance to see a beautiful Fall scene in Rikugien Garden.

From late Nov. to early Dec, there's a light display in Rikugien Garden, where you can see colourful leaves of 550 trees shining in the lights. And the leaves of the great weeping cherry tree will also be lit up too, of course.

The location of Rikugien Garden
A 1 min. walk from the JR Komagome Station (on the Yamanote Line) or from the Komagome Subway Station (Nanboku Subway Line).

Note. During the light display period, the Somei-gate is open, the closest entrance gate from the Komagome station. Usually, you have to go to the regular entrance gate, that is about a 7 min. walk.

Rikugien Garden
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/teien/en/rikugien/