Shibakōen

Shibakōen is a public park in Tokyo's Minato ward featuring walking paths, old trees, and memorial structures spread across several hectares. The green spaces provide a quieter environment set within the city's dense urban surroundings.

The park was established in 1873 as one of Japan's earliest public parks during the Meiji period of modernization. Its creation marked a shift in how Tokyo transformed from a traditional city into a modern urban center.

The grounds house Zojoji Temple, a center for Buddhist worship and ceremonies that visitors can experience directly within the park setting. This religious site shapes how locals and pilgrims move through and use the space throughout the year.

The site is accessible from multiple train stations including Kamiyachō, Akabanebashi, and Shibakōen, providing convenient arrival from different parts of Tokyo. The park is easy to explore on foot and remains open to visitors throughout the year.

The park offers direct views of Tokyo Tower, creating an unexpected visual link between traditional gardens and modern architecture within the same sight line. This proximity to one of the city's most recognizable structures provides visitors with an interesting contrast between nature and contemporary design.