Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden, Daimyo garden in Kaigan, Japan
Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden is a daimyo garden in Kaigan, a traditional Japanese garden that once belonged to noble families and now designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty. A central pond forms the heart of the grounds, surrounded by stone formations from Nebukawa, while carefully placed stepping stone paths wind through the shaped landscape.
The garden was laid out in 1686 by Okubo Tadatomo, a high-ranking official of the Edo period who shaped the grounds as a private retreat. After more than two centuries in private hands, the garden opened its gates to the public for the first time in April 1924.
The garden carries elements from Chinese mythology in its design, including stone arrangements representing Mount Horai, where immortals were believed to dwell according to ancient belief. This symbolic landscape connects natural forms with spiritual meanings that visitors can discover while walking through.
The garden sits just one minute on foot from Hamamatsucho Station and opens its gates daily from 9 to 17 hours. Admission costs 150 yen for adults, while walking the paths takes about half an hour to complete.
The garden preserves the original landscaping techniques from the Edo period while modern skyscrapers and office buildings completely surround it. This juxtaposition shows the contrast between old garden art and today's Tokyo skyline within a small space.
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