Tokyo’s Hidden Traditional Garden – A peaceful 200-year-old garden hiding in plain sight, away from Tokyo’s crowds.
Why Visit Mukojima-Hyakkaen?
Tucked away in the quiet streets of Sumida, Mukojima-Hyakkaen is one of Tokyo’s most underrated traditional gardens. Built over 200 years ago in the early 19th century, it was designed as a place where locals could stroll, admire the seasons, and escape the noise of the city.
Unlike the famous (and famously crowded) gardens like Shinjuku Gyoen or Koishikawa Korakuen, this one stays blissfully calm — even on weekends. If you’re looking for authentic natural scenery and a slow, peaceful walk, this is the spot.
What Makes It Special
🌸 A garden for all seasons — Around 360 plum trees were planted here, making it famous as a plum-blossom garden. Today, more than 20 varieties of plum can still be enjoyed in the garden.
🪷 Real rural charm — A peaceful pond, a quaint tea house, winding paths, and lush greenery give the garden a countryside feel right in the heart of Tokyo.
🌳 “Hyakkaen” means “Garden of a Hundred Flowers” — True to its name, something is always in bloom. Enjoy seasonal flowers and trees throughout the year, with something beautiful to discover in every season.
| Season | What to See |
| Late Feb – Mar | Plum blossom festival (the garden’s main event) |
| Apr | Cherry blossoms, fresh green leaves |
| Jun-Jul | Irises and summer greenery |
| Nov | Brilliant autumn colors |
Important Notes for Visitors
To help preserve this peaceful atmosphere and ensure an enjoyable visit for everyone, please observe the following guidelines:
- No pets or other animals are allowed in the garden. Please do not collect or remove any plants, flowers, or other natural items from the garden. Picnic sheets and other ground coverings are not permitted, and please do not bring alcoholic beverages into the garden.
- Please take all your rubbish with you. There are no provisions for disposing of any type of rubbish inside the garden.
- Smoking is prohibited throughout the garden. There is no designated smoking area.
- Please keep noise to a minimum. This is a place to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the garden, so please avoid loud conversations, music, or other disruptive sounds.
Getting There
- Nearest station: 8-minute walk from Tobu Higashi-Mukojima Station (Tobu Skytree Line)
- From Asakusa: It’s the third stop by train — an easy day-trip addition to your Asakusa itinerary
- From Tokyo Skytree: It’s the second stop by train — an easy day-trip addition to your Tokyo Skytree itinerary
Practical Tips
- 🕐 Check opening hours before you go — https://www.gotokyo.org/en/spot/429/index.html
- 🎟️ Small admission fee — cheap and worth every yen
- 👟 Wear comfortable shoes — the stone paths are uneven and charmingly rustic
- 📸 Bring a camera — but be respectful; this is a place people come to find quiet
The Verdict
If you’re planning things to do in Tokyo and want to experience a traditional Japanese garden the way locals do — slowly, peacefully, and without the crowds — put Mukojima-Hyakkaen at the top of your list. It’s a hidden gem that rewards travelers who take the time to find it. The entrance fee is very affordable, so if you enjoy your visit, please consider making a small donation at the donation box near the entrance.
Worth Seeing Along the Way
- Tobu Museum: Explore historic trains, interactive exhibits, and realistic train simulators. It’s a fun stop for both families and railway enthusiasts. It’s right next to Higashi-Mukojima Station.
- Local Restaurants: There are a variety of casual eateries serving a wide range of cuisine around Higashi-Mukojima Station. They’re a convenient place to stop by before or after your walk.
#TokyoTravel #JapaneseGarden #MukojimaHyakkaen #HiddenGemTokyo #ThingsToDoInTokyo
See authentic natural scenery and a slow, peaceful walk — watch the full Mukojima Hyakkaen Gardens video on our YouTube channel, then go walk it yourself!