Hama-rikyu gardens was built on the tidal flats of early Edo period Tokyo to serve as the falconing hunting ground of the Shoguns.

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Hama-rikyu Gardens History

This is the family garden of the Tokugawa Shoguns which functioned as an outer fort or Edo castle that retains a tidal pond of seawater drawn from Tokyo bay called shioiri-no-ike and 2 duck hunting grounds. In 1654, the fourth shogun Ietsuna’s younger brother Matsudaira Tsunashige reclaimed land from the sea and built his detached residence called Kofu Hama-yashiki on hawking sites of teh shogun’s family. With Tsunashige’s son Tsunatoyo (later Ienobu) became the sixth shogun, the mansion became the property of the shogun’s family. The name was then changed to Hama palace. Ater the Meiji Restoration, the garden became a Detached Palace of the Imperial Family, changing its name to Hama-rikyu. The Imperial Family gave the garden to the City of Tokyo in November 1945, and after restoration work, it has been thrown open to the public since April, 1946 as Hama-rikyu Garens. Later, the garden was designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Special Historic Site of the country.

Features and Sights to See at Hama-rikyu Gardens

Shioiri-no-ike

The pond draws in seawater and Hama-rikyu gardens appearance is changed by the ebb and flow of the tide. The pond is the only remaining seawater pond from the Edo era witin Tokyo. Lock gates are opened and clsed accorrding to the rise and fall of the water level in Tokyo Bay, thus adjusting the flow of water in and out of the pond. Salt water fish such as black seabream, goby and eel inhabit the pond.

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300-year pine

This pine was planted more than 300 years ago to commemorate the great renovation made to the garden by the 6th shogun Ienobu. The thick branches spread out low, still keeping a proud imposing view.

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Ochayas

The teahouses were built during the rule o the 11th shogun Ienari, and ater being destroyed in bombing during World War II, Matsu-no-ochaya was restored in 2011 followed by Tsubame-no-ochaya in 2015 and Taka-no-ochaya in 2018. By construction faithful o the historical sources, landscape redolent of bygone days has been recreated. You can enjoy a powdered green tea and Japanese confectionary set (extra charge) at Nakaima-no-ochaya.

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