There are not many places that struck me as much as this park that me and my sister explored on a wonderfully sunny day in Tokyo, and that is why I think it deserves a whole post to itself. Not only this place seemed to come straight out of a Ghibli movie, it was also very quiet and far from the busy streets of Tokyo.
The Rikugien gardens are located in one of the central wards of Tokyo, and I have to say it was not an area that we visited in depth. It was, however, really worth the time and small detour that we took to get there, as to this day, it is still one of my favourite things to see in Tokyo.
This park is a Japanese style landscape garden, and it is said to be one of the most beautiful in Tokyo. It was built in the eighteenth century and its name translates to “Garden of Six Poems”, because its ground reproduces 88 scenes from a selection of six classical poems.
Walking around there can take up to a few hours, especially if you want to take the time to admire everything and take in all the wonderful scenery. There is also a little shop inside the garden where you can buy very cute things, as well as some refreshing drinks.
We went there in June and luckily the weather was wonderful. I’m pretty sure the gardens also look amazing in spring, but apparently autumn is the best season to go there as all the trees change into bright colours.
If this park struck me that much, I think it is because when you walk around there you don’t feel like you’re in the centre of one of the busiest cities of the entire world. Everything is peaceful and quiet, you can walk along big ponds and jump over cute streams, sit down in the shade of trees and take a moment to relax. There was also a man meditating on a bench!
Of course, you also feel like you might meet Totoro right around the corner of one of the many paths that allow you to discover the gardens, and that is a huge plus!
It’s for all of these reasons that these gardens are the number one thing that I recommend to everyone going to Tokyo, because they are not that touristy and absolutely beautiful!
Have you ever been to Tokyo? Have you been to the Rikugien Gardens?
Other posts about Japan:
Exploring Shinjuku
– Short getaway in Osaka
– 10 days in Japan: Tokyo and Osaka
Sunny Days with Juliette 
I would love to go but also to live in Tokyo for a while … it is a city full of unexpected and unpredictable … I would take millions of shots … I suggest you see the work that a friend of mine who lives there … simple, everyday but I don’t know well why, fascinating for me: https://500px.com/p/iwagamite?view=photos Ciao!!!
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Yes! I don’t know if I would like to live there for a long time, but definitely go back for a longer time would be amazing! I love the pictures of your friend, they represent very well something that I loved in Japan: even the ordinary seemed special! Thanks for sharing 😊 Un abbraccio!
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Wow, 88 scenes. It sounds magical. Maybe it is like walking in art.
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It is definitely and incredible experience, everything seems magical there! Thanks for dropping by 😊
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I’ve been there. Love it!😍
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Amazing! It is indeed beautiful 😊
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Interesting, I didn’t go to this garden. Indeed I imagine that in autumn or when the trees are in bloom the show must be quite magnificent.
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I feel like it is not very famous, I guess it’s also because it is located in a ward that doesn’t have many other touristic attractions, though I definitely recommend visiting! 😊
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Gorgeous photos! Garden of six poems – such a dreamy name. *sigh*
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Thank you!! I know, the name and history behind it makes it even more special! Thanks for dropping by 😊
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what a lovely special and spiritual place!
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It is! I can imagine people coming here every week to relax, surrounded by nature 😊
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It must be that time of the year again where you pictures feel so surreal when the weather outside my window is… icky… Hahahaah Awesome post to present this wonderful and stunning garden though! It does look so calm and appealing! 😀
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Ahahah sorry Lashaan, on my side I see it as a way to escape the awful weather ahah 😁 It is definitely “happy place” worthy, glad you liked it and thanks for stopping by 😊
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I can’t blame you for loving this place so much. Even if I’m just staring at it on my desktop, I can feel some sort of serenity radiating from your photos.
I really hope I can visit Japan in the near future. I’d definitely keep this place in mind.
Tina
http://www.totetallylegal.com
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Thanks a lot for reading! This place is indeed very peaceful and absolutely stunning. Hope you get the chance to visit some day! 😊
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