Kyu Shiba Rikyu Gardens in Photos
Kyu-Shiba Gardens is an Edo-period pond strolling garden (回遊式泉水庭園). It’s in Tokyo’s heart and offers a blend of nature and urbanity. Serene ponds reflect the nearby towering skyscrapers. Seasonal flowers frame historical landscapes. If that isn’t enough winding paths lead to scenic views at every turn. This isn’t just a park. It’s a photographer’s playground, where old Japan meets the modern world. Are you ready to explore it?
Let’s start with the pond filled with carp and turtles. It has three islands, with bridges running to two of them, which is fun to explore. Nakajima (the one in the center) allows you to shoot 360′. You can even take pictures of the wildlife on and in the water.
What I love most about Kyu-Shiba is what is inside and outside. Over recent years, there has been much construction nearby. Those buildings provide such great contrast. It’s the twenty-first century Tokyo against Edo Japan of more than one hundred years ago.
The skyscrapers and pond together make for great photographs. Flowers and towers together. And on a good day, if the wind and sun cooperate, you can get some great reflections in the water. For this type of shot, Kyu Shiba Rikyu Gardens is excellent.
Another thing I like about the park is the several small hills. They are easy to climb and offer a change of perspective once you get to the top. Some of their paths are concrete, so going up shouldn’t be difficult.
If you are lucky, you can see couples doing their pre-marriage wedding photos. A photographer and makeup artist accompany them. With the girl in a kimono and her husband-to-be in a hakama, they make for great photos. This place is popular for these photoshoots. Please ask their permission before taking pictures close-up, though.
Kyu Shiba Rikyu Gardens points of interest
- Cherry blossoms in spring
- City views
- Hydrangeas in summer
- Park wildlife (birds and turtles)
- Tokyo Tower (not a great view, though)
- Tōrō (giant stone lanterns)
Photography tips
- No tripods allowed.
- For building reflections in the pond, go to its south end and look north for them.
- Photographs of Tokyo Tower aren’t easy to get as some skyscrapers block views. You’ll need to walk around and find the best spots.
- The tall buildings cast shadows over the park at different times of the day. That can be problematic.
- The best time to visit the park is spring (cherry blossoms) or autumn (the leaves!).
- On my last visit (March 23, 2023), there was some construction work at Kyu Shiba. There were barriers, concrete, etc. I had to work around those things.
Photo spots near Kyu Shiba Rikyu Gardens
- Hama Rikyu Gardens
- Rainbow Bridge
- Shiba Park (2022 plum blossom pics here)
- Tokyo Tower
- Zojoji
Where is Kyu Shiba Rikyu Gardens?
Address: 1 Chome-4-1 Kaigan, Minato City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train station:
Hamamatsucho on the JR Keihin-Tohoku and Yamanote Lines.
Opening hours:
9 AM to 5 PM (with last admission at 4:30 PM).
Closed from December 29th to January 1st.
Admission costs:
¥150
What is a pond strolling garden (回遊式泉水庭園)?
Do you remember this term I used earlier? As the name suggests, it’s a garden with a central pond. You stroll on paths and look at recreated scenic spots from around the country. They might be certain hills, islands, bridges, or famous stones. Teahouses and gazebos might be set up at various points so visitors can rest and enjoy the view.
Conclusion
Kyu Shiba Rikyu is fantastic for photography! Unfortunately, it’s lost a few points recently. That is due to the view of Tokyo Tower being lost. If it were still possible to get pictures of it, it would rank higher. That is a real pity. Anyway, it is what it is.
Kyu Shiba’s best thing is its size. It’s compact so you won’t need much time there. That is probably a good thing as Tokyo Tower and Hama Rikyu Gardens aren’t far away. Actually, many other good photo spots are near. You’ll be able to get some pics and move to your next location. Leave questions and comments below.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and okonomiyaki. His camera will capture the entire city one day.
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External related websites:
- Kyu Shiba Rikyu Gardens (official website)