Exploring the enchanting Hama-rikyū Gardens in Tokyo offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage. This Japanese garden walking tour invites visitors to discover the stunning Edo-period landscape design, followed by an authentic tea ceremony experience. Guests can savor the delicate flavors of matcha tea and traditional wagashi sweets while gaining insights into the art of Japanese garden aesthetics. With a small group size, this tour provides an intimate and immersive experience for those seeking to enjoy the serene beauty and tranquility of a traditional Japanese garden.

Contents show

Key Points

This tour provides a guided exploration of the historical Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo, highlighting key garden features like the Karesansui and Kaiyushiki.
Participants will experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, including the preparation and tasting of matcha green tea accompanied by delicate Japanese sweets (wagashi).
The tour offers insights into Japanese garden culture and design from knowledgeable guides, creating an unforgettable blend of history, nature, and flavors.
The tour is conducted in English, lasts for a total of 1.5 hours, and is limited to a small group of 4 participants.
The tour has received excellent customer reviews, with guides praised for their expertise and the overall experience described as a delightful mix of history and nature.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Tokyo: Japanese Garden Walking Tour with Tea and Sweets," offers visitors an opportunity to explore the historical Hamarikyu Gardens for 1.5 hours.

Priced at $85.46 per person, the small-group tour is limited to 4 participants and conducted in English. Guests can reserve the tour now and pay later.

If canceled 24 hours in advance, a full refund is provided. The tour highlights key garden features, seasonal beauty, and a tea ceremony experience with matcha and Japanese sweets.

Reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and the tour’s mix of history and nature.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Tokyo

Experience Highlights

Guided tours of Hamarikyu Gardens, a historical Japanese garden from the Edo period, offer visitors the chance to explore key features like the Karesansui (dry landscape garden) and Kaiyushiki (circular garden).

Guests marvel at the seasonal beauty of the plants and trees throughout the tour. The experience includes a traditional tea ceremony and the chance to savor delectable Japanese sweets known as wagashi.

Travelers gain insight into Japanese garden culture and design from the knowledgeable guide, creating an unforgettable blend of history, nature, and flavors.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at either the Otemon Bridge or the main entrance to Hama-Rikyu Gardens. During the 30-minute guided tour, visitors will explore the key features of this historical Japanese garden, including the Karesansui (dry landscape garden) and Kaiyushiki (circular garden). Following the garden tour, guests will enjoy a 1-hour tea ceremony experience, complete with matcha green tea and traditional Japanese sweets. At the end of the tour, participants are dropped off at either Shiodome Station or the main stop.

Itinerary Details
Starting Locations	Otemon Bridge or Hama-Rikyu Gardens
Activities	30-minute guided tour of Hama-Rikyu Gardens, 1-hour tea ceremony experience
Drop-off Locations	Shiodome Station or main stop
Meeting Point	Otemon Bridge entrance to Hama-Rikyu Gardens
Duration	1.5 hours

Exploring Hama-rikyū Gardens

Hama-rikyū Gardens, a historical Japanese garden from the Edo period, serves as the centerpiece of this captivating walking tour.

Guests will marvel at the Karesansui (dry landscape garden) and Kaiyushiki (circular garden), each showcasing the seasonal beauty of plants and trees.

The guide provides insightful commentary on Japanese garden culture and design, enhancing the experience.

Visitors can savor the tranquility and appreciate the harmonious blend of nature and architecture that defines this iconic green space in the heart of Tokyo.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Tea Ceremony Experience

After exploring the captivating gardens, visitors enjoy the serene and authentic tea ceremony experience.

The guide leads them to a traditional tea house, where they learn about the cultural significance and intricate rituals of the Japanese tea ceremony. Guests observe the meticulous preparation of matcha green tea, marveling at the host’s graceful movements.

They then savor the earthy, frothy tea alongside delicate Japanese sweets, known as wagashi.

This tranquil interlude allows visitors to fully appreciate the art and philosophy behind this time-honored tradition, leaving them with a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.

Into exploring Tokyo on foot? Check out these other walking experiences we've looked at

Discovering Japanese Garden Culture

Immersing visitors in the captivating world of Japanese garden culture, the guided tour unveils the historical significance and intricate design principles underlying the serene Hama-rikyū Gardens. The tour guide explains the key features, such as the Karesansui (dry landscape garden) and Kaiyushiki (circular garden), highlighting their symbolic meanings and the harmonious integration with the surrounding environment.

Design Principle	Explanation
Shakkei	Borrowed scenery from the surrounding landscapes
Miegakure	Partially obscured views to create a sense of mystery
Tsukiyama	Artificial hills to create a sense of depth
Chisen	Ponds and streams to represent the flow of nature
Sekitei	Carefully placed stones to evoke natural formations

Exploring the gardens with an insightful guide offers visitors a deeper appreciation for the cultural and aesthetic values embedded in this iconic Japanese landscape.

Customer Testimonials

Visitors to the Japanese Garden Walking Tour consistently rave about the expertise and kindness of the guides.

With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 11 reviews, the tour is described as a delightful mix of history and nature. Guests particularly highlight the unforgettable matcha and wagashi (Japanese sweets) served during the tea ceremony experience.

One reviewer noted the guide’s deep knowledge and passion for the garden’s features, including the Karesansui (dry landscape garden) and Kaiyushiki (circular garden).

Tour Recommendations

What type of travelers would this Japanese Garden Walking Tour appeal to?

The tour is well-suited for a variety of travelers, including:

Couples looking for a romantic and immersive cultural experience
Friends seeking an educational and visually stunning excursion
Solo travelers interested in learning about Japanese garden design
Families with children who’ll enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and traditional snacks

The tour’s reasonable duration, small group size, and inclusion of comfortable walking shoes make it an accessible and enjoyable option for various traveler types.

With its focus on history, nature, and cultural traditions, this tour offers a delightful and memorable way to explore Tokyo’s rich heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Food Allergies Accommodated in the Tea and Sweets Offering?

The tour overview doesn’t mention whether food allergies are accommodated for the tea and sweets offering. Travelers with dietary restrictions should contact the tour operator directly to inquire about any special arrangements that can be made.

Can I Take Photos During the Tea Ceremony?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but guests should avoid disrupting the tea ceremony experience. It’s best to check with the guide on any specific photography guidelines for the tea house portion of the tour.

Is the Tour Fully Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not fully wheelchair accessible as it involves walking through a traditional Japanese garden. However, the tea house experience portion may be accessible with prior arrangements made with the tour operator.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tea Ceremony?

There’s no formal dress code for the tea ceremony. Guests should wear comfortable, modest clothing. The focus is on the tea experience, not fashion. As long as you’re dressed appropriately for the activity, you’ll be welcomed.

How Much Time Is Spent at the Tea House?

The tour includes a 1-hour tea ceremony experience at the tea house. Guests will enjoy matcha green tea and Japanese sweets as part of this portion of the tour.

The Sum Up

This immersive Japanese garden tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and tranquility of traditional landscape design. Visitors will stroll through the historic Hamarikyu Gardens, followed by a serene tea ceremony where they can savor matcha and delicate sweets. With a small group size, this tour provides an intimate look into Japanese culture and garden aesthetics, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for this enchanting experience.