Tokyo Heritage Gardens: From the Shogunate to modern Japan

DestinationChuo City, Japan
Duration3 hours
Tour sizeMax 8
LanguageGerman, Spanish, Chinese, French, English, Japanese, Italian

Overview

Tokyo is often known for its skyscrapers and fast-paced modern life. Yet within the city are historic gardens that reflect centuries of Japanese culture and design. On this guided walking tour, you will visit three cultural heritage gardens — Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden, Hama-rikyu Gardens, and Kiyosumi Gardens — and learn how Japanese garden aesthetics evolved from the Edo period to modern Japan.

Your journey begins at Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden, one of Tokyo’s oldest daimyo gardens. At Hama-rikyu Gardens, once a seaside retreat of the Tokugawa shogunate, you will explore a unique tidal pond garden connected to Tokyo Bay. The tour concludes at Kiyosumi Gardens, known for impressive stones collected from across Japan.

Please note: Garden entrance fees are not included in the tour price and must be paid on-site by each traveler. Current admission fees are JPY 150 for Kiyosumi Gardens, JPY 300 for Hama-rikyu Gardens, and JPY 150 for Kyu Shiba Rikyu Gardens.

What's included

  • A Professional Local Guide

What to expect

  1. Kyu-Shiba-rikyū Gardens

    Walk through one of Tokyo’s oldest daimyo gardens, known for its elegant stone arrangements, tranquil pond scenery, and carefully pruned pine trees. The garden offers a quiet historical atmosphere despite being located near the busy Hamamatsucho district.
  2. Hamarikyu Gardens

    Explore a historic feudal lord garden famous for its tidal pond connected to Tokyo Bay. Walk along scenic paths surrounded by pine trees and seasonal flowers, and enjoy the contrast between the peaceful garden and Tokyo’s modern skyline. Optional matcha tea experience at a traditional teahouse (extra fee).
  3. Kiyosumi Teien

    Stroll through a traditional Edo-period landscape garden featuring a large pond, artificial hills, and famous ornamental stones. Enjoy seasonal flowers, carefully shaped greenery, and peaceful views while learning about the design of Japanese strolling gardens.

Good to know

  • Meeting: Meet on location
  • Languages: German, Spanish, Chinese, French, English, Japanese, Italian
  • Free cancellation up to 48 hours before

What our guests say

5.0
Our guide was fantastic and very friendly. They made the whole experience so enjoyable — a truly memorable day.
Erin I.
An amazing tour! We saw all the highlights with the history behind each place we visited. Could not recommend it more.
Kevin T.
An amazing guide who made the whole day special. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves — a wonderful experience.
Kara H.
Interesting, informative and engaging from start to finish. We came away with a much greater appreciation of Japan.
Thomas L.
Our guide showed us hidden spots we would never have found on our own, with the best English of any guide we met in Japan.
K. Jantz

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