Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden

Created during the Edo period (1603-1868), a time of cultural development, Kyu Shiba Rikyu has witnessed the evolution of Tokyo. Its beginnings are linked to land reclamation from Tokyo Bay, creating the estate for Ōkubo Tadamoto, a samurai of the Tokugawa shogunate. Through the years, it was owned by various samurai families until it became part of the Imperial property and then a public garden in 1924.

Kyu Shiba Rikyu is one of Tokyo’s four remaining Edo-period daimyo gardens. Its “kaiyū-shiki” design—a stroll garden with a central pond—stands out for its intimate scale and precision rather than grandeur.

The garden experienced severe damage during the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake. Restored and opened to the public the following year, it was designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty in 1933 and reconfirmed as a Place of Scenic Beauty in 1979.

The central pond, Sensui, with its four islands and the sandy Suhama area, is a focal point. Freshwater has replaced the original saltwater, signifying the garden’s transitions. The Oyama hill, offering a view of the dry Karetaki waterfall, and the vibrant wisteria trellis in May are also highlights. The Fujidana and Yukimi-doro offer seasonal charm and insights into Japanese aesthetics.

The garden is a haven for various plants and birds, reflecting Japan’s natural beauty. The Kyudo range stands as a testimony to Japan’s martial traditions.

Nestled among Minato’s skyscrapers, Kyu Shiba Rikyu provides a tranquil counterpoint to urbanity. Nearby are other historical sites, including Hamarikyu Gardens. The garden’s circular paths encourage a comprehensive experience, representing the natural world’s oceans, lakes, and mountains. Through the year, the seasonal blooms—from early-year plum and narcissus to March cherry and willow—ensure a constant display.