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These beautiful gardens were a branch of Edo Castle during the reign of Tokugawa Shogunate and served as hunting grounds. The gardens are believed to be as they were during the Tokugawa Ienari Era, following the Meiji Restoration the gardens became part of the Imperial household and the name was changed to Hama-rikyu (detached palace on the coast). The gardens were opened to the public in 1946.
The gardens have a central saltwater tidal pond, the level of the water is regulated according to the tides in Tokyo Bay. Visitors can enjoy tea in the historic teahouse on an island in one of the pond. The garden is planted with a range of flowers, trees and shrubs so that there is a burst of color in every season. In the garden there is a plum grove, a 300 year old pine tree, a tree peony garden, a garden of flowering trees and shrubs, hillocks, bridges, duck hunting sites, horse riding areas, yellow rapeseed fields, and some of the river cruise boats dock inside the garden grounds.
Overlooking the tranquil and picturesque garden are the shiny skyscrapers of the Shiodome business area, this creates a contrast between nature and man-made structures. November to December is a great time to see the Autumn foliage and colors of the gingko, maple and other trees. In February the plum trees bloom, and March to April is cherry blossom season. There are free English self-guided audio guides which take you on various routes through the gardens.
