Tokyo｜Hamarikyu Gardens｜Edo Elegance and Waterfront Cherry Blossoms

Hamarikyu Gardens is Tokyo's only classical garden that retains the "tidal pond" design (tidal pond: seawater is drawn into the pond, creating a landscape that changes with the tides). It is a representative example of Edo-era daimyo gardens and has been designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. While the cherry blossoms here may not rival the scale of other famous spots, the unique combination of "waterfront cherry blossoms + Japanese garden + urban skyline" makes it renowned. Around 60 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry varieties, bloom along the pond and near the tea houses. During the flowering season (late March to early April), their reflections in the tidal pond, accompanied by seagulls, pine trees, and distant skyscrapers, create a poetic contrast that showcases Tokyo's charm blending the old and the new.

The garden's design is steeped in Edo aesthetics: the "Nakajima Tea House" for cherry blossom viewing, the "Matsu Tea House" with 300 years of history, and the "Duck Hunting Grounds" once used by the Tokugawa shoguns, all harmonize beautifully with the cherry blossoms. During the cherry blossom season, nighttime illumination events are often held (check for annual activities), where floating lanterns on the pond dance with the cherry blossom shadows, creating a serene and magical atmosphere.

Post by 湯馬士火車頭 | Sep 2, 2025