Rikugi-en
In its own language: 六義園
An Edo-period landscape garden with pond, hill, and seasonal displays in Tokyo
Rikugi-en is a historic Japanese garden in Bunkyō, Tokyo, known for its landscaped pond, wooded areas, and a central hill. Built in the late 17th century, it is now a public park where visitors enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves, with special evening light-ups during these seasons.
- Built in the late 1600s as a daimyo garden
- Famous for cherry blossoms and autumn leaf displays
- Named a special place of scenic beauty in 1953
- Open to the public with seasonal evening illuminations
- Located near Komagome Station in Tokyo
What is Rikugi-en?
Rikugi-en is a traditional Japanese landscape garden featuring a large pond, winding paths, and a man-made hill. Visitors walk through groves of trees and along the water’s edge, with views that change through the seasons. The garden is especially known for its cherry trees and vibrant autumn foliage, and includes teahouses and quiet corners for rest.
The history of Rikugi-en
The garden was created between 1695 and 1702 by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, who received permission from the shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. Rikugi-en is a classic example of a daimyo (feudal lord) garden from the Edo period. After years of neglect, it was purchased and restored by Iwasaki Yatarō, founder of Mitsubishi, in 1878. The Tokyo city government received the garden as a donation in 1938, and it was later recognized as a special place of scenic beauty.
What there is to see
The garden’s design centers on a pond and a hill, with paths that lead visitors through various landscapes. Seasonal plantings, especially cherry trees and maples, provide highlights in spring and autumn. The garden is maintained by the Tokyo metropolitan parks, and is open daily to the public, with no parking but easy access from Komagome Station.
When to go
Rikugi-en is open to visitors year-round, with extended hours and special lighting during cherry blossom season in spring and when the leaves change color in autumn. People come to stroll, enjoy the scenery, and take part in seasonal events. Admission is charged, with discounts for seniors and free entry for local students.
Parts and collections
The garden today covers about one-third of its original area. While the main features—a pond, hill, and wooded areas—remain, some parts have changed over time due to restoration and urban development. Seasonal displays and temporary illuminations offer different experiences throughout the year.
Why Rikugi-en matters
Rikugi-en’s name refers to six principles from classical Japanese poetry, reflecting its cultural roots. It is officially designated as a special place of scenic beauty by the Japanese government. The garden is a well-known spot in Tokyo for viewing cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, drawing both locals and tourists.
Questions people ask about Rikugi-en
Where is Rikugi-en located?
Rikugi-en is in Bunkyō, Tokyo, Japan, close to Komagome Station on the JR Yamanote and Tokyo Metro Namboku lines.
What is special about Rikugi-en?
It is a classic Edo-period landscape garden with a pond, hill, and seasonal plantings, known for cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in autumn.
When was Rikugi-en built?
The garden was constructed between 1695 and 1702 under Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, with later restoration in the late 1800s.
What does the name Rikugi-en mean?
The name refers to six principles from classical Japanese poetry, reflecting the garden’s cultural inspiration.
When is the best time to visit Rikugi-en?
Spring and autumn are especially popular, when cherry blossoms and autumn leaves are highlighted with special evening illuminations.
Good reading and sources
- Rikugi-en Gardens on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Rikugi-en Gardens", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Opening times, prices and bloom dates change: check with the place before you travel. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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