If you need a breather from fast-paced Tokyo, head to the Hamarikyu Gardens. The public park, located at the mouth of the Sumida River, is steeped in 400 years of history and is sure to calm your nerves. After all, that’s what the Shogun used it for. That’s right: up until the mid-17th century the park belonged to the Tokugawa Shogun family, who used it for leisurely activities like takagari falconry.
The park is also a rarity in that it’s the only park in Tokyo with a seawater lake and functioning water gate that adjusts for water levels depending on the tide.
[Hamarikyu Gardens]
1-1 Hamarikyu teien, Chuo-ku (Google Map)
9:00 – 17:00
03-3541-0200
General admission is 300 yen
