Although in actuality it is a classic Japanese garden, Rikugien Gardens felt like a gorgeous neighborhood park. It features walking paths, hills, and a pond system, and is a great example of a daimyo’s garden from the Edo era. It seemed less touristy than other parks we visited, though some parts of the park were still on the crowded side.

There is a large, open area on one edge of the park’s large central pond. Here there are manicured lawns, bushes, and trees. In the park there is also a teahouse as well as a stand that sells mochi and other items.

The rest of Rikugien Gardens consists of meandering paths through quiet, dense woods. The leaves on the maple trees were just beginning to turn on our autumn visit. Following the walking paths, visitors will discover many hidden treasures in the park: a cool shaded pond, or a bridge that crosses the water, or a trail to the crest of a hill where they can survey the more landscaped portion of the park. Part of the park’s charm was that you never quite knew what you’d discover around the next bend in the path. We really enjoyed what we found during our explorations.

We would love to go lose ourselves in these beautiful gardens once again! It was clearly a well-trafficked and well-loved place, and for good reason.

Google Maps Link: Rikugien Gardens