Hibiya Park: flower-filled beauty in Tokyo

Hibiya Park yellow chrysanthemum potted bush
Chrysanthemums in November.

Hibiya Park lies in the very heart of Tokyo. The Imperial Palace, government offices, and large companies are within walking distance. People who work in those places sometimes need a little respite from their busy lives. With its many flowers and quiet grounds, it is an urban oasis.

At 40 acres, it is large. There is a lot on the grounds to keep you busy. There are gardens, a public hall, a library, restaurants, tennis courts, and amphitheaters. I’m sure there is something I’ve forgotten. Hopefully, I haven’t. Anyway, it has everything you need to recharge your batteries.

Hibiya Park is a great place to relax, most appreciated being its tree-covered paths. They block out much of the sights and sounds of the busy city. And in summer, they provide so much shade for the weary. But there is something even better!

The gardens are fabulous. They cover a large part of the park and have roses! When the flowers bloom, people fill the benches around them in the cooler months. They are the perfect place to relax. And now you know why I call Hibiya Park a city oasis.

A Brief History of Hibiya Park

During the Edo period, the Mōri clan and Nabeshima clans occupied the park’s land. During the Meiji period, the army used it for maneuvers. Finally, it became a public park on June 1, 1903.

If you are a history fan, you might know that on September 5, 1905, the park was the focal point for the Hibiya Riots. At that time, the Russo-Japanese War had ended. Many  Japanese were against the terms of the peace treaty. A huge crowd gathered at Hibiya Park to protest. After the smoke cleared, seventeen were dead, and many were injured. It was a major event in Tokyo at the time.

In the 1940s, the park, with its trees and fences, was a material source for the war effort. Unfortunately, it was gutted. Luckily for us, it was rebuilt in the 1960s, and a large fountain was added.

Photography at Hibiya Park

There is a lot for those with a camera. Flower lovers should enjoy the azaleas, cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, magnolias, and tulips. They should especially enjoy the chrysanthemums, which get their festival in November.

While walking around the park, you’ll find statues and bells plaques about who once lived there. To be honest, that stuff isn’t exciting. I prefer to concentrate on the flowers and the people looking at them. Those are far more interesting.

And I like being in the middle of a busy urban area. You can see the nearby Imperial Hotel and Tokyo Midtown from the park. They pop up over the trees. You can use them as a backdrop in your photographs. And if you visit when the roses bloom, you can get a bonus. Flowers and towers!

Hibiya Library
Hibiya Library is in the park.

Photo spots near Hibiya Park

When to visit? 

Hibiya Park is known for its roses and chrysanthemums (2019 pics here). If you want to enjoy them together, autumn would be best. But, if you just wish to relax, any season would be fine.

Where is Hibiya Park?

Address: 1-6 Hibiyakoen, Chiyoda City, Tokyo

Here is it on a Google map:

Closest train stations:

  • Kasumigaseki Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Chiyoda Lines (B2 exit).
  • Hibiya Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya, Chiyoda, and Toei Subway Mita Lines (A10 or A14 exit).
  • Sakuradamon Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line (Exit 5).
  • Yurakucho Station on a Metro and several JR Line.

Opening hours

The park grounds are open 24 hours a day.

Admission costs

None.

Conclusion

If you love flowers, especially roses and chrysanthemums, Hibiya Park is great. And as it is in central Tokyo, there are many other places to visit nearby. It gets a very high ranking from me. When you go, make sure to take a camera!

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