Rikugien Garden
Rikugien Garden
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Ikebukuro
Ikebukuro is an area of massive development. Several thousand tenants occupy two giant department stores and shopping malls, where all sorts of shopping and gourmet foods can be enjoyed. The 60-story building at the east entrance of the station, Sunshine City, is a landmark within Ikebukuro and features an aquarium, planetarium, theme park as well as an observation platform. The popular name for the western side of this area is "Otome Road" (Maiden Road) and there are many shops selling products related to anime with a female theme. It has rapidly become the worldwide headquarters for ‘otaku’ or geek culture.
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10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
5,582 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- ONE JOURNEY OSan Jose, California43 contributionsRiyugien Garden in FallVisited on Nov. 30, 2023. Amazing garden punctuated with stunning fall colors. One of the best fall peeking experiences we ever had. Fall prediction for Tokyo for this year is right on. Pls see pictures.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 29, 2023
- Glenn KBrisbane, Australia71 contributionsPleasant Walk in Well Manicured Japanese GardensWalked around the Rikugien Garden, guided by a friendly local Japanese that we had met a few days earlier. Very relaxing, especially the stop for tea and Japanese sweets at the teahouse. Since it was winter there weren't many vibrant colours but it was still a very peaceful experienceVisited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten February 3, 2024
- chowsoGloucester, United Kingdom1,758 contributionsBeautiful gardensRikugien was one of the highlights of Tokyo for me, the garden is tucked away behind a residential area and is a beautiful example of a well manicured Japanese garden. The ponds and bridges were lovely and the maple trees so lusciously green. Definitely want to visit again in autumn as it looks like it would be spectacular. The entrance fee is minimal like most of the gardens in Japan, and it was really quiet when we went. A very tranquil place all in allVisited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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arare
Kaneohe, HI49 contributions
Apr 2023
We really enjoyed this park although at the time the weeping cherry blossom had lost its flowers. It is very serene. We also enjoyed the teahouse there sitting and snacking on tea and manju. I could have spent hours there. We went there to see the weeping cherry blossom which lost its blossoms, but enjoyed the walk through the park. It wasn't crowded and a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
Written July 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mick
Bangkok, Thailand133 contributions
Nov 2020
Right next to Konagome station. Entrance fee is 300 Yen and the park is a nice stroll.
Some nice Autumn foliage but not overly spectacular.
Good spot for a stroll away from the hustle and bustle.
Some nice Autumn foliage but not overly spectacular.
Good spot for a stroll away from the hustle and bustle.
Written November 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ONE JOURNEY O
San Jose, CA43 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Visited on Nov. 30, 2023. Amazing garden punctuated with stunning fall colors. One of the best fall peeking experiences we ever had. Fall prediction for Tokyo for this year is right on. Pls see pictures.
Written November 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hfot2 🌸🍁🌸
Vermont7,578 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
Peaceful and serene, this strolling garden is a wonderful haven in the midst of bustling Tokyo. Arrive early to avoid the crowds during peak seasons in spring and autumn.
We entered the garden at the Someimon Gate which is only open two times a year. This brought us to a path along a canal and we felt as if we were walking through a forest. The pods of autumn colors were absolutely gorgeous and quite photogenic, especially as reflected in the canal. We took lots of photos, as did every other person we encountered. We followed the paths and walked up moss covered steps to a hilltop thatched roof teahouse which afforded fine views back towards the little bridge over the canal.
Proceeding along the wooded path, we finally burst out near the pond and found ourselves in a manicured garden, much more in the style we had anticipated and quite different from the woodland path. We made a circuit of the pond and at each turn the view changed as we had expected it would. We climbed the hill to Fujishirotoge viewpoint, overlooking the pond, for further vistas and more photos including a good view of Togetsukyo Bridge.
Before we left, we strolled again along the woodland walk. This time we found a path up a hill to a clear view of the bridge and, of course, there were many photographers there jockeying for the best position for that perfect photo. In fact, everywhere we walked, if we saw a group of five or more people with cameras and tripods, it seemed likely that they had found yet another perfect spot for photography, so - of course - we went there for a look-see.
We are not up on our Japanese or Chinese literature, but apparently the garden contained references to 88 scenes from literature and history. The few signs were were able to read indicated that not all 88 views have been preserved.
A few tips you might find helpful from our visit:
¥300 entry fee for adults, ¥150 reduced rate for 65 and older, which is a a great deal and if you show them your copy of the Official Tokyo Tourism Guide map (or booklet) you get an additional discount of ¥30, which is a fabulous deal.
Take the JR Yamanote line and get off at Komagome Station. Do check online to see which gates are open. The Someimon Gate is much closer to the station (just 500 meters from the station), but it is usually closed; however, it is open during peak season in spring (late March - early April) and autumn (late November - early December).
Plan to spend at least several hours in this strolling garden, and arrive early. We spent 4 hours here - a good morning’s visit. We found ourselves waiting for photo ops until other visitors got out of our picture. On reviewing our photos, some of the shots actually were more interesting if there was a single person in them, for example, one person silhouetted, walking cross the Togetsukyo Bridge.
The koyo were just at peak on our visit on December 5. There is a large weeping cherry tree on the grounds which we imagine must be beautiful in sakura season.
Most of the paths are level, so folks with mobility issues should be able to visit and enjoy much of this garden.
There are toilets near the Someimon Gate which we used before returning to the station.
We entered the garden at the Someimon Gate which is only open two times a year. This brought us to a path along a canal and we felt as if we were walking through a forest. The pods of autumn colors were absolutely gorgeous and quite photogenic, especially as reflected in the canal. We took lots of photos, as did every other person we encountered. We followed the paths and walked up moss covered steps to a hilltop thatched roof teahouse which afforded fine views back towards the little bridge over the canal.
Proceeding along the wooded path, we finally burst out near the pond and found ourselves in a manicured garden, much more in the style we had anticipated and quite different from the woodland path. We made a circuit of the pond and at each turn the view changed as we had expected it would. We climbed the hill to Fujishirotoge viewpoint, overlooking the pond, for further vistas and more photos including a good view of Togetsukyo Bridge.
Before we left, we strolled again along the woodland walk. This time we found a path up a hill to a clear view of the bridge and, of course, there were many photographers there jockeying for the best position for that perfect photo. In fact, everywhere we walked, if we saw a group of five or more people with cameras and tripods, it seemed likely that they had found yet another perfect spot for photography, so - of course - we went there for a look-see.
We are not up on our Japanese or Chinese literature, but apparently the garden contained references to 88 scenes from literature and history. The few signs were were able to read indicated that not all 88 views have been preserved.
A few tips you might find helpful from our visit:
¥300 entry fee for adults, ¥150 reduced rate for 65 and older, which is a a great deal and if you show them your copy of the Official Tokyo Tourism Guide map (or booklet) you get an additional discount of ¥30, which is a fabulous deal.
Take the JR Yamanote line and get off at Komagome Station. Do check online to see which gates are open. The Someimon Gate is much closer to the station (just 500 meters from the station), but it is usually closed; however, it is open during peak season in spring (late March - early April) and autumn (late November - early December).
Plan to spend at least several hours in this strolling garden, and arrive early. We spent 4 hours here - a good morning’s visit. We found ourselves waiting for photo ops until other visitors got out of our picture. On reviewing our photos, some of the shots actually were more interesting if there was a single person in them, for example, one person silhouetted, walking cross the Togetsukyo Bridge.
The koyo were just at peak on our visit on December 5. There is a large weeping cherry tree on the grounds which we imagine must be beautiful in sakura season.
Most of the paths are level, so folks with mobility issues should be able to visit and enjoy much of this garden.
There are toilets near the Someimon Gate which we used before returning to the station.
Written March 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sftraveler41
San Francisco, CA248 contributions
May 2016 • Solo
Several guidebooks describe this garden as beautiful but a bit out of the way. So it was only on my third trip to Tokyo that I decided to visit, and I'm sorry I waited so long. The garden is not just beautiful, it is spectacular. And it was easy to get to -- just short walk from Komagome Station on the Yamanote line (free if you have a JR pass, and inexpensive even if you don't).
If you go out the station's main exit, you'll immediately see a sign pointing toward the garden. If you take the wrong exit, which I did, you'll emerge on a little-traveled street without signage, so just go back in and try again.
The garden is beautifully designed. Like many others in Tokyo, it seems like its own world when you glance above the trees and see tall, modern buildings outside. Signage is good and explains how the garden reproduces scenes from famous poetry. There is a spot to have tea, and you could linger for several hours just walking along the paths, stopping to enjoy the views from different vantage points.
I had read in various postings that mosquitoes can be an issue. I saw them (or a similar small, flying insects) in only one section of the garden, but that is an issue worth checking if you want to consider a repellent. (I didn't take one and didn't need one, but that could be seasonal.)
Walking from the station to the garden, you'll pass several small shops that looked fun to explore. But it's the garden that will bring me back to this neighborhood.
If you go out the station's main exit, you'll immediately see a sign pointing toward the garden. If you take the wrong exit, which I did, you'll emerge on a little-traveled street without signage, so just go back in and try again.
The garden is beautifully designed. Like many others in Tokyo, it seems like its own world when you glance above the trees and see tall, modern buildings outside. Signage is good and explains how the garden reproduces scenes from famous poetry. There is a spot to have tea, and you could linger for several hours just walking along the paths, stopping to enjoy the views from different vantage points.
I had read in various postings that mosquitoes can be an issue. I saw them (or a similar small, flying insects) in only one section of the garden, but that is an issue worth checking if you want to consider a repellent. (I didn't take one and didn't need one, but that could be seasonal.)
Walking from the station to the garden, you'll pass several small shops that looked fun to explore. But it's the garden that will bring me back to this neighborhood.
Written June 2, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marilynnjsmith
San Jose del Cabo, Mexico90 contributions
Sep 2014 • Solo
I always ask locals when I visit a new place what should I NOT miss while in your city? I was sent to Rikugien Garden. This is one of the most beautiful gardens in Tokyo and eel worth a visit.To grasp anything about Japanese culture one must go to one of their gardens. This one was exceptional in its peaceful ambience and ancient traditions. I got lucky and met a guide at the gardens when asking directions. I got a personal guided tour. She explained how this garden was over 400 years old, having been built in the Edo period. All the gardens in Japan have water, stones and vegetation. The pine tree is special to the Japanese and is pruned by hand. It takes a month to pure one tree. The stones here are very very old and have been in place hundreds of years. The reverence the Japanese have for the beauty in nature became obvious. this is lovely, do go and see this garden.
Written September 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gocats89
New York City, NY302 contributions
Dec 2019
I visited Rikugien with my mother and nephew in December. This is a very manageable, beautiful example of a Japanese garden. It is a manageable visit even for older people due to its compact size, flat terrain and several stopping points throughout.
Rikugien is located in the northern part of Tokyo, but it is an easy trip on the JR Yamanote line. As you exit the station, go to the western side of the park. Guidebooks indicate an eastern entrance but this is incorrect.
Your visit should take about 90 minutes with a few breaks. You walk around the park, take pictures, sit and admire the "natural" beauty. The entire garden is immaculately curated. There are all kinds of trees, but most notable in late fall are the Japanese maples.
There are a couple of tea houses within the complex to sit and have a drink. It can get busy on weekend days in nice weather, but in general a visit here can be a welcome respite from the crowds of Tokyo. This garden is much more manageable than the much larger Shinjuku gyoen but with similar visual impact.
Rikugien is located in the northern part of Tokyo, but it is an easy trip on the JR Yamanote line. As you exit the station, go to the western side of the park. Guidebooks indicate an eastern entrance but this is incorrect.
Your visit should take about 90 minutes with a few breaks. You walk around the park, take pictures, sit and admire the "natural" beauty. The entire garden is immaculately curated. There are all kinds of trees, but most notable in late fall are the Japanese maples.
There are a couple of tea houses within the complex to sit and have a drink. It can get busy on weekend days in nice weather, but in general a visit here can be a welcome respite from the crowds of Tokyo. This garden is much more manageable than the much larger Shinjuku gyoen but with similar visual impact.
Written December 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kjinhu
Woodstock, GA38 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
Rikugien gardens are one of our favorites. This year we were able to enjoy the night time illumination of their fall colors. It gave a whole new perspective on the gardens. Worth the visit if you are there during this season
Written November 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sengch
Singapore, Singapore372 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
Wanted to see at least one Japanese landscaped garden around Tokyo and it was a choice between the smaller Koishikawa Koraku-en or the Rikugi-en. Both are a short train ride away from either Shinjuku or Tokyo station. However the Japan-Guide website warned that the former was undergoing renovation work (that would extend into 2015) which might take some shine off the experience so by default it was the Rikugi-en.
It’s about 7 mins walk from Komagome station along the main road.Watch for the side road that leads to the main gate. There is a smaller gate nearer to the station but that is only open at certain times of the year. There is a 300 yen entrance fee ( 150 yen for 65yrs +). Mosquitos can be a nuisance (especially in summer ). You can buy mosquito repellent from the ticket counter or spray from an opened bottle for free.
I can imagine it to be even more beautiful in spring or autumn but even without the colours of sakura or golden maple leaves it was nice (and without the crowd ). There is a tea house where you can rest and admire the view. We could easily have spent hours wandering about as there were many trails to explore but we were drawn back to the entrance area by the music of flute and drums where a troupe of entertainers were performing much to the delight of young and old.
A change from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo city.
It’s about 7 mins walk from Komagome station along the main road.Watch for the side road that leads to the main gate. There is a smaller gate nearer to the station but that is only open at certain times of the year. There is a 300 yen entrance fee ( 150 yen for 65yrs +). Mosquitos can be a nuisance (especially in summer ). You can buy mosquito repellent from the ticket counter or spray from an opened bottle for free.
I can imagine it to be even more beautiful in spring or autumn but even without the colours of sakura or golden maple leaves it was nice (and without the crowd ). There is a tea house where you can rest and admire the view. We could easily have spent hours wandering about as there were many trails to explore but we were drawn back to the entrance area by the music of flute and drums where a troupe of entertainers were performing much to the delight of young and old.
A change from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo city.
Written November 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Honestcouple
Lancashire133 contributions
Nov 2019
Take your time to take it all in. Look left, look right, turn round. Unfortunately just missed the Autumn Illumination. Next time.
Written December 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No, it’s a Japanese Garden not a park per se so nobody jogs there. Try Yoyogi Park or the jogging route around the Imperial Palace.
Written May 8, 2019
suesteyn
Johannesburg, South Africa
Is it necessary to pre book if we'll be there April 2018 (cherry blossom time)? If so, where can I do this online? thank you
Written January 30, 2018
As for "pre booking" as I say, as a public park operated by Tokyo Metropolitan Government - as such, and as a public facility, there is no "booking" or "pre booking".
Written February 15, 2018
What are the opening hours? I saw night pictures with beautiful lights but not sure when they close in the evening.
Written October 10, 2017
When I was there in August, closing time was 1700 and that is the general closing time all year round. However, it remains open until 2100 during Cherry Blossom and Autumn Colour seasons. Autumn Colour runs roughly until mid or late November. Hope this helps!
Written October 10, 2017
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