Tokyo Slow Life Walk｜Hibiya Park: A Quiet Green Corner to Breathe in the Bustling City

Address: 1 Hibiya Park, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Having passed by Hibiya several times, I always felt a strong European vibe. One afternoon, feeling tired and wanting to find a place to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee, I entered this historic park—Hibiya Park.

This park is one of Japan’s earliest Western-style parks, with a history of over a hundred years. Inside, it still preserves charming Western-style lamp posts and antique washbasins, instantly transporting me back to the Meiji era.

By the way, "Hibiya" actually originates from the Edo period, when this area was still a bay. Later, Tokugawa Ieyasu came to develop Tokyo, transforming the entire area into a noble district and reclaiming land to create a place called "Sotobori." There is still a large hat-shaped stone inside the park, witnessing the changes of history.

What impressed me most is that this place miraculously survived the Tokyo air raids during World War II, probably because it’s so close to the Imperial Palace. Century-old trees support the entire shade, and during the flower seasons, tulips and cherry blossoms bloom in turn, making even the air feel gentle.

#TokyoAttractions

Post by Krista in HK | Apr 14, 2025