Tokyo Explorer

Situated in the north of Tokyo, with not a tall building in sight, Rikugien garden really gives you the impression that you have left the city.

The garden was donated to Tokyo by the Iwasaki family, founders of the Mitsubushi Company, in 1938.

In 1953 it was designated a place of exceptional beauty and an important cultural asset.

Except in the peak cherry blossom season, at the end of March, it doesn’t attract the crowds that visit Tokyo’s parks, so can provide a real sense of that other side of Japan we so often miss – of peace and tranquility, more often associated with Kyoto than Tokyo.

All the paths in Rikugien circle the pond and this is the source of some of the best views. The main inner path leads to the Fukiage Tea House, the outer paths go through woodland where a much older Meiji-era (1868-1912) teahouse can be found.

At 11:00 and 14:00 on Sunday, free tours are given and you can see groups scuttling between some of the 33 marked viewpoints that remain.