(Video) Tokyo's Happo-En: The Majestic Japanese Garden of Eight Views

Written by: Quentin Weinsanto

Date published: 23 December 2018

Famous in Japan for its wedding hall, Happo-en is, in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, not really highlighted in traditional books on tourism. Yet, the “Garden of Eight Views” is like a peaceful and romantic oasis of green.

A garden with a long history

Happo-en boasts a history of about 300 years old. It served as a subsidiary mansion for Okubo Hikozaemon, and was later carefully preserved. In 1915 Fusanosuke Kuhara, an industrialist who also founded Hitachi, reconstructed it and built most of today’s building.

Being magnificent from any angle as a reminder of Edo era, the garden is close to the perfection when it comes to Japanese garden. It takes advantage of the natural terrain with hills and streams, and has several trees of more than a hundred years old. Nature evolves with the seasons, allowing a new discovery with each visit: cherry blossoms in springtime, azaleas as summer, maple leaves in autumn and a carpet of snow in winter.

A magical and romantic place

Different paths allow you to contemplate an outdoor exhibition of bonsai. All of them are clearly pieces of art. Most are than 100 years old and one is even 520 years old. In the center, as a symbol of the Happo-en garden, the Ike pond offers a place for relaxation. Visitors can also sit at the Suichin, or waterside resting arbor, and watch the dozens of colorful koi (carp) that are gracefully swimming in the water. If you locate the silver one, it will bring you luck!

Access: 1 minutes from the Shirokanedai station（MITA Line, NAMBOKU Line）, exit 2.

Discover Japanese traditions

Slightly hidden in the garden, don't miss the Daigo Shrine, a National Monument that honors emperors Jimmu and Meiji. Those who are interested can try a traditional tea ceremony workshop in the Muan Tea House, built during the Meiji period. And for those who want to prolong the experience, try having lunch or dinner at the Garden Terrace Thrush Café, in which you can enjoy a variety of dishes featured fresh vegetables direct from the farm they're affiliated with,or the Japanese Restaurant "Enju." Both provide beautiful views of the garden.

Access: 1 minutes from the Shirokanedai station（MITA Line, NAMBOKU Line）, exit 2.

Happo-en

八芳園
- Address 1-1-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8631

Written by:

Quentin Weinsanto

Quentin Weinsanto is a journalist living in the area of Adachi-ku in Tokyo. Being in Japan since 2011, he always love to write about interesting stories or places to visit.

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