NPO法人 イッツウェルネス

Rikugien, a delicate and gentle Japanese garden, was created in the early 1600s on land reserved for the shogun. Along with Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, it was one of the two largest gardens in Edo during the Edo period (1603-1867). Trees, mountains (Tsukiyama), and ponds make up this impressive garden. And this garden was also a special place for the famous industrialist Yataro Iwasaki (founder of the Mitsubishi group) in the 19th century. A nice, relaxing walk through the garden takes about two hours. You can also sip your powdered green tea at a teahouse in the garden while admiring the pond from the window.

In front of the Imperial Hotel lies Hibiya Park, which was born as Japan’s first Western-style park built on the site of the Edo-era daimyo garden. Now a 40-acre metropolitan park, it is a place of relaxation for Tokyo residents and tourists alike.The park is full of greenery, and adorned with ginkgo trees and camphor trees that are over 100 years old. A walk around Kumogata Pond gives you a taste of the seasons, with its cherry blossoms and tulips in spring, and pansies and autumn leaves in fall and so on. After your walk, why not taste the quality cuisine at the long-established restaurants in the forest?

The Institute for Nature Study (attached to the National Museum of Nature and Science), which is designed as a national nature and historic site, boasts an area of 49 acres. Its precious natural forest is home to giant Japanese chinquapin trees, Edo-period pines, and broad-leaved Quercus trees. The forest is also home to peregrine falcons and cuckoos! Moreover, killifish, loaches and a variety of Japanese aquatic plants grow in the eight ponds and marshes. As you walk along the forest path, taking in the fresh air while listening to the rustling sound of the leaves and chirping of birds, your soul is bound to find healing.

Right in the heart of Tokyo lies Arisugawa-no-miya (imperial prince arisugawanomiya) Memorial Park, an urban land which boasts an area of approximately 6.7 hectares. As you walk through the park, you cannot miss the Japanese garden and a pond that is home to carp, gobies, and turtles. While taking a leisurely walk along the forest road, you will be able to admire the seasonal flowers, hear the twitter of wild birds, and come across autumn dragonflies. Why take a little break to have a healthy Japanese lunch known as obento? Within this park, there is Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library, book lovers will have a marvelous time.

Hamarikyu Gardens is a feudal lord garden that goes back to the Edo period(early 18th century). Although it is located in the heart of the city, you can feast your eyes on its lovely sights that combine history with nature. In the far distance, the imposing skyscrapers stretched out beyond the pond and forest look cool and mysterious. You can take a leisurely stroll passing by famous trees, duck farms, and traditional buildings, while taking in the seasonal ambience all around you. How about tasting the matcha and Japanese sweets in the tearoom facing the pond? This pond is also connected to Tokyo Bay where seawater flows into it and saltwater fish make their home.

Kitanomaru Park is located in the heart of Tokyo and is adjacent to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. You can enjoy the wonderful experience of beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring and splendid maple leaves in the fall. Also, you can admire the camphor and zelkova tree, the vast lawn, and a tranquil pond, spend quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s easily accessible, being within a 15-minute walk from Kudanshita, Jimbocho, and Takebashi. The Museum of Modern Art and the National Archives of Japan are located on Uchibori Street, leading toward Takebashi Station.