Tokyo Japanese Gardens Private Tour with Licensed Guide

Meeting point

Departure

09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00 daily; scheduled through November 2027 (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)

Pickup

Hotel pickup included

Operator

Japan Guide Agency; booking and payment are completed on Viator

1. 1
   Imperial Palace

   **This tour does not include access to the inside of the Imperial Palace** The current Imperial Palace is located on the former site of Edo Castle, a large park area surrounded by moats and massive stone walls in the center of Tokyo, a short walk from Tokyo Station. It is the residence of Japan's Imperial Family. Edo Castle used to be the seat of the Tokugawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 until 1867. In 1868, the shogunate was overthrown, and the country's capital and imperial residence were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. In 1888 construction of a new Imperial Palace was completed. The palace was once destroyed during World War Two, and rebuilt in the same style, afterwards.

   15 min
2. 2
   Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

   This tour will allow you to explore Tokyo more efficiently in one day. Meet at your hotel, then move to anywhere you want.

   15 min · Admission not included
3. 3
   Meiji Jingu Shrine

   Meiji Shrine (明治神宮, Meiji Jingū) is a shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Located just beside the JR Yamanote Line's busy Harajuku Station, Meiji Shrine and the adjacent Yoyogi Park make up a large forested area within the densely built-up city. The spacious shrine grounds offer walking paths that are great for a relaxing stroll. The shrine was completed and dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken in 1920, eight years after the passing of the emperor and six years after the passing of the empress. The shrine was destroyed during the Second World War but was rebuilt shortly thereafter.

   15 min
4. 4
   Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

   Koishikawa Korakuen (小石川後楽園, Koishikawa Kōrakuen) is one of Tokyo's oldest and best Japanese gardens. It was built in the early Edo Period (1600-1867) at the Tokyo residence of the Mito branch of the ruling Tokugawa family. Like its namesake in Okayama, the garden was named Korakuen after a poem encouraging a ruler to enjoy pleasure only after achieving happiness for his people. Koishikawa is the district in which the garden is located in.

   10 min · Admission not included
5. 5
   Hamarikyu Gardens

   Hama Rikyu (浜離宮, Hama Rikyū), is a large, attractive landscape garden in central Tokyo. Located alongside Tokyo Bay, Hama Rikyu features seawater ponds which change level with the tides, and a teahouse on an island where visitors can rest and enjoy the scenery. The traditionally styled garden stands in stark contrast to the skyscrapers of the adjacent Shiodome district.

   10 min · Admission not included
6. 6
   Rikugien Garden

   Rikugien (六義園) is often considered Tokyo's most beautiful Japanese landscape garden alongside Koishikawa Korakuen. Built around 1700 for the 5th Tokugawa Shogun, Rikugien literally means "six poems garden" and reproduces in miniature 88 scenes from famous poems. The garden is a good example of an Edo Period strolling garden and features a large central pond surrounded by manmade hills and forested areas, all connected by a network of trails.

   10 min · Admission not included
7. 7
   Yoyogi Park

   Yoyogi Park (代々木公園, Yoyogi Kōen) is one of Tokyo's largest city parks, featuring wide lawns, ponds and forested areas. It is a great place for jogging, picnicking and other outdoor activities. Although Yoyogi Park has relatively few cherry trees compared to other sites in Tokyo, it makes for a nice cherry blossom viewing spot in spring. Furthermore, it is known for its ginko tree forest, which turns intensely golden in autumn.

   10 min
8. 8
   Yoyogi Park

   A spacious Western style park with wide lawns, trees and ponds, popular among residents. Yoyogi Park is known for its autumn leaves, especially the golden leaves of the many ginko trees.

   10 min
9. 9
   Ueno Park

   About half a dozen museums, a zoo, a Toshogu Shrine and the Shinobazu Pond are just some of Ueno Park's attractions. Ueno Park is also Tokyo's most notorious cherry blossom party spot.

   10 min
10. 10
    Koishikawa Botanical Garden

    Spacious botanical garden maintained by the University of Tokyo, featuring many tree and plant species, as well as a small Japanese landscape garden. Particularly nice during the cherry blossom season.

    30 min · Admission not included
11. 11
    Koishikawa Korakuen Garden

    Beautiful Japanese landscape garden, representing famous Japanese and Chinese sceneries in miniature. It dates from the early Edo Period and is enjoyable during all seasons.

    30 min · Admission not included
12. 12
    Former Shiba Rikyu Gardens

    A green oasis surrounded by tall buildings, the Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden is a traditional landscape garden with a pond and man made hills. It used to be part of the residence of feudal lords and later an imperial villa.

    30 min · Admission not included
13. 13
    Kiyosumi Teien

    Kiyosumi Teien is a pretty Japanese landscape garden with walking trails around a central pond. Parts of the trails lead over stones placed into the pond.

    30 min · Admission not included
14. 14
    Nezu Museum

    A true urban oasis, this stunning garden is a highlight of any trip to the Nezu museum. Located in the stylish hub of Omotesando, the museum was formerly the private residence to Nezu Kaichiro and now houses his collection of Asian and Japanese art. Winding walkways, stone lanterns, paving stones and a bamboo grove all provide different viewpoints to explore around the hilly garden, filled with stone sculptures and a number of preserved tea houses. Perhaps most interesting is the beautiful juxtaposition between the garden’s vivid greens and classical features, with the museum’s modern glass architecture. The café, serving lunch and cakes, is a great place to enjoy the garden from as well.

    30 min · Admission not included
15. 15
    Happo-en

    Happo-en is a vast park in Minato District. The name means, ‘The Garden of Eight Views’ for its appeal in all seasons and angles. The spacious grounds provide a stunning backdrop for photos, and in fact, the garden is a popular choice for wedding parties and photo shoots. A restaurant serving kaiseki cuisine overlooks the pond and a teahouse offers tea ceremony etiquette lessons among other things. Call ahead to make reservations for their walking tours hosted on weekdays, which include a lunch at the restaurant and a tea ceremony (7700 yen per person). Reservations are not required for Muan Teahouse but recommended for Enju, the kaiseki restaurant on the premises.

    30 min · Admission not included
16. 16
    Tokyo National Museum Garden

    For a few weeks during the hanami (cherry blossoms) in spring, and during the koyo (autumn leaves) in November, the garden of the Tokyo National Museum opens to the public.

    15 min · Admission not included
17. 17
    Mejiro Garden

    Mejiro Garden is a small and peaceful traditional Japanese garden located in Mejiro area, very near Ikebukuro Station. The garden is admission free, and it’s a perfect oasis to get away from the bustling streets of Tokyo. During the autumn leaves season, the garden hosts light-up events at night and illuminated autumn foliage can be enjoyed only this time of the year.

    30 min · Admission not included

About this tour, from the operator