Hama Rikyu (浜離宮, Hama Rikyū) is a spacious and beautiful landscape garden located in central Tokyo, adjacent to Tokyo Bay. The garden features seawater ponds that fluctuate with the tides and includes a teahouse situated on an island, providing visitors a place to relax and take in the views. Its traditional design contrasts sharply with the modern skyscrapers of the nearby Shiodome area.
Over the centuries, the garden has had various functions. Initially constructed as a residence and duck hunting grounds for a feudal lord during the Edo Period (1603-1867), it later transformed into a strolling garden and an imperial detached palace before being opened to the public in its current state. Remnants of its historical uses can still be seen, including reconstructed duck hunting blinds and parts of an old moat and rock wall.
Hama Rikyu is appealing year-round. While it may not be as renowned for its autumn foliage as some other Tokyo gardens, it still boasts a variety of maple, ginkgo, and other trees that display vibrant fall colors from late November to early December.
In late February, plum blossoms emerge, and the cherry blossom season in spring, from late March to early April, is also lovely, though less prominent than in other hanami locations in the city. Additionally, various flowers bloom in spring, including fields of peonies and canola.
Access to Hama Rikyu
Hama Rikyu is accessible within a 10-15 minute walk from JR Shimbashi Station or a 5-10 minute walk from Shiodome Station on the Oedo Subway Line and the Yurikamome elevated train. It can also be reached from Asakusa via a limited number of Tokyo Water Buses (a 35-minute ride costing 1180 yen one way, which includes garden admission). However, it’s important to note that the water buses do not stop at Hama Rikyu on the return trip, and currently, boarding boats at Hama Rikyu is not permitted; visitors can only disembark.
Otemon Gate Entrance
- Toei Oedo Line
7-minute walk from “Tsukiji-shijo” (E18) or “Shiodome” (E19) stations. - Yurikamome Line
7-minute walk from “Shiodome” station. - JR Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line
12-minute walk from “Shimbashi” station (G08, A10).
Nakanogomon Gate Entrance
- Toei Oedo Line
5-minute walk from “Shiodome” station (Exit 10). - JR Line
15-minute walk from “Hamamatsucho” station. - Using Water Bus
Tokyo Cruise Ship (from Asakusa): Get off at the “Hamarikyu” Water Bus Pier.
From Shiodome Station
Parking
Limited parking space is available across the Otemon Bridge. Please note that it is restricted to the following vehicles.
- Vehicles for wheelchair users and people with disabilities (Please present your disability certificate).
- Tour buses.
For other vehicles, please use nearby public parking facilities. (Shiodome Parking is located underground along Kaigan-dori, under the expressway.)
Open Hours and Fees
Opening Hours:
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
(Last entry at 4:30 PM)
Closing Days:
Year-end and New Year holidays
(December 29th to January 1st)
Admission Fees:
General: 300 yen
Seniors (65 years and over): 150 yen
(Free for elementary school students and junior high school students residing or attending school in Tokyo)
*Elementary school children must be accompanied by a guardian.
Group Admission (20 or more people):
General: 240 yen
Seniors (65 years and over): 120 yen
