Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens

Originally a private garden, this metropolitan park was developed by writers and artists during the Bunka-Bunsei period (1804–1830), when cultural trends in Edo were set by commoners. Hyakka-en, meaning ”garden of hundreds of seasonal flowers,” focuses on the beauty of plants that can be enjoyed by commoners, as opposed to gardens for feudal lords — such as Koishikawa Koraku-en and Rikugi-en — that are filled with every element required for a Japanese garden. In 1978 the garden was designated a Place of Scenic Beauty in accordance with the Act to Protect Cultural Properties. A main feature of this garden is its 30-meter, arched-bamboo tunnel lined with bush clover, which blossoms beautifully in September. In early May, wisteria hanging from the terrace roof are also impressive, and later that month, you can enjoy Japanese and Siberian irises in the pond. An eight-minute walk from Higashi-mukojima Station on the Tobu Skytree Line.