Usher in the New Year at Rikugi-en Garden π
Kick off 2025 with a serene and culturally enriching experience at Rikugi-en Garden, one of Tokyo’s eight metropolitan gardens. For the first two days of the new year, this historical landscape will be adorned with traditional kadomatsu (gate pines) and other festive decorations. This year, Rikugi-en offers unique experiences not found at other metropolitan gardens celebrating the New Year, including kimono-clad visitor perks and special photo opportunities.
Special New Year’s Activities:
- Kimono Perk: Arrive in traditional kimono and receive an exclusive Rikugi-en postcard as a memento of your visit.
- Auspicious Flowerbeds: Admire vibrant displays of good-luck flowerbeds, adding a touch of color to the winter scenery.
- Commemorative Photo Booth: Capture the moment in a happi coat with a Rikugi-en lantern. (Cancelled in case of rain.)
- Guided Garden Tours: Volunteer guides offer insightful tours of the garden, revealing its history and hidden gems. (Cancelled in case of rain.)
Essential Information:
- Venue: Rikugi-en
- Nearest Stations: Komagome Station / Sengoku Station
- Address: 6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo γ113-0021
- Map: Google Maps
- Dates: January 2nd (Thursday) – January 3rd (Friday), 2025
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry: 4:30 PM)
- Admission:
- General: Β₯300
- Seniors (65+): Β₯150
- Free for elementary school students and younger, and Tokyo junior high school students (living or attending school in Tokyo).
- Group Discount (20+ people):
- General: Β₯240
- Seniors (65+): Β₯120
- Free Admission: Visitors with a physical disability certificate, an Ai-no-techo, a Ryoiku-techo, or a mental disability certificate, and their accompanying person (one person in principle).
- Contact: Rikugi-en Service Center 03-3941-2222
- Official Event Website: New Year’s Start of the Year at the Metropolitan Gardens
- Weather Note: The event is held rain or shine, but some activities are cancelled in case of rain.
Plan Your Trip: ποΈ See hotels near Tokyo
Please note that event details are subject to change. Always check the official website for the latest information.
Rikugi-en Garden Overview
Rikugi-en Garden is a historic Japanese garden in Tokyo, known for its landscape and traditional design. Established during the Edo period in the early 18th century for the 5th shogun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the garden reflects the aesthetic of a typical Edo-period strolling garden. "Rikugi-en" means "Garden of the Six Principles," embodying the elements of waka poetry in its layout.
Visitors can explore its winding paths that guide them through a carefully tended landscape of hills, pruned trees, peaceful ponds, and stone bridges. The garden’s central feature is a large pond, surrounded by dense foliage and teahouses, providing scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere within the city’s hustle.
Rikugi-en is notably recognized for its seasonal beauty, especially the cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage, which attract locals and tourists alike. Its historical value and refined design mark it as a significant cultural site in Tokyo, highlighting the integration of nature and art typical of Japanese gardens.
