Mukōjima-Hyakkaen Garden
Mukōjima-Hyakkaen Garden: Tokyo's only surviving Edo-period flower garden
by Simone Ottuzzi - Omotenashi Anime
History and origins
• Created between 1804 and 1830 by Sahara Kikū, an antiques merchant.
• The project was supported by local writers and artists: a cultural salon immersed in nature.
• The name "Hyakkaen" means "garden of a hundred blooms."
• It originally featured 360 plum trees (ume).
• It suffered flood damage (1910) and wartime damage, but has been open to the public since 1939.
• Since 1978 it has been a National Place of Scenic Beauty & Historic Site.
Botanical features
• Area: 10,886 m².
• Over 600 plant species tied to literary tradition and the seasonal calendar.
• A 30-meter bush clover tunnel, spectacular in September.
• Seasonal blooms: plum blossoms in winter/spring, irises and wisteria in May, hydrangeas in summer, autumn flowers like cosmos and susuki grass.
• An intimate, poetic atmosphere, quite different from daimyō gardens.
Events
• Plum Festival (Feb–Mar) with traditional performances.
• Bush Clover Festival (autumn) with nighttime illuminations.
• Other events: Moon Viewing, a summer insect festival, and a spring herb festival.
Practical information
• Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM).
• Closed: December 29 – January 3.
• Admission: ¥150 adults, ¥70 seniors, free for junior high students and younger.
• Access: 8 min walk from Higashi-Mukōjima (Tobu Skytree Line), 13 min from Keisei Hikifune (Keisei Line).
Summary
An intimate, poetic garden, the only surviving example of an Edo-period flower garden. Perfect for those seeking cultural atmosphere, seasonal flowers and moments of calm away from the urban chaos.
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