Rikugien Garden
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About
Considered one of Tokyo's two most beautiful Edo-period landscape gardens (along with Koishikawa Korakuen). Built in 1700, its name literally means 'Six Poems Garden,' and it was designed to reproduce 88 miniature scenes from famous classical poems. The garden features a large central pond with an island and forested hills that offer winding paths and hidden teahouses. It is a masterpiece of 'Mitate' (allusive) design. It is exceptionally popular during the autumn leaf season and spring cherry blossom season when it stays open late for stunning light-up events.
Highlights
- Classical Edo-period garden
- Famous weeping cherry blossoms
- Illuminated night views
- Poetic landscape design
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Yanaka Ginza
Known as 'Cat Town,' this narrow shopping street is one of the few places in Tokyo that survived both the Great Kanto Earthquake and WWII, preserving the nostalgic 'Shitamachi' atmosphere. It is famous for its 'Yuyake Dandan' (Sunset Stairs), which offer a picturesque view of the street during the golden hour. Visitors can enjoy local street snacks like 'Menchi-katsu' and shop for handmade bamboo crafts while spotting various cat-themed statues and real felines roaming the area. It is the perfect antidote to the high-tech neon of Shinjuku.
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Sunshine 60 Observatory
Located on the top floor of the Sunshine 60 skyscraper in Ikebukuro, this observatory was recently rebranded as 'Tenkyu Park.' It reimagines the observation deck as an 'indoor park in the sky,' featuring real grass-like flooring, swinging benches, and cloud-themed decor where visitors can lie down and relax. At 251 meters, it offers a 360-degree view of Tokyo, including the Shinjuku skyline and Mount Fuji. It is designed to be a peaceful, sensory experience with calming music and aromatherapy, making it much more than just a place to see the view.
Yakiniku Jumbo Hanare
Jumbo Hanare is a legendary name among yakiniku enthusiasts. They are pioneers of 'rare cut' yakiniku, serving parts of the cow you won't find at standard shops. Their signature dish is 'Noharayaki'—a large, thin slice of sirloin that is lightly seared for a few seconds and then dipped into a bowl of premium raw egg yolk, similar to sukiyaki. The sauce is perfectly balanced, and the meat quality (A5 Kuroge Wagyu) is exceptional. Getting a seat at the 'Hanare' (annex) requires booking exactly one month in advance. It is widely considered one of the top three yakiniku experiences in the city.
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Ishikawa (Kagurazaka)
Holding three Michelin stars for over a decade, Ishikawa is the pinnacle of Japanese 'Kaiseki' (multi-course haute cuisine). Chef Hideki Ishikawa focuses on the 'purity of ingredients,' creating dishes that appear simple but have incredible depth of flavor. The restaurant is located in the charming, cobbled streets of Kagurazaka. The experience is intimate, with a focus on warm, personal hospitality. Each course reflects the micro-seasons of Japan, using rare vegetables and the finest seafood. It is an expensive but profound cultural and culinary journey that represents the highest level of Japanese dining.
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