Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens

Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens showcases the refined aesthetics of Edo-period garden design within an intimate 8,700 square meter garden in Sumida City. Established in the early 19th century by merchant Sahara Kikuu in collaboration with literati and artists, the garden earned its name “Hyakkaen” (Garden of a Hundred Flowers), which is said to refer either to plum blossoms leading the hundred flowers or to flowers blooming throughout the four seasons. The grounds feature 29 haiku monuments and stone pillars, creating a harmonious blend of botanical beauty and literary heritage that reflects the cultural sophistication of old Tokyo.  

The garden’s signature attraction is the hagi (bush clover) tunnel, which transforms into a cascading canopy of delicate blooms during the annual Hagi Festival around September and early autumn. Early spring brings spectacular displays of plum blossoms throughout February and March, while warmer months bring hydrangeas, bellflowers, and other seasonal flowers, with Japanese wisteria typically peaking around early May. The traditional moon-viewing parties in early autumn continue an Edo-period custom, offering evening visits beneath the autumn sky. Strategic viewpoints throughout the garden frame Tokyo Skytree against seasonal foliage, creating unique photo opportunities that connect historical and modern Tokyo.  

The compact layout includes winding paths through seasonal plantings, a tranquil pond inhabited by wildlife, and rest areas where visitors can pause and enjoy the garden. The garden’s accessible routes and manageable size make it ideal for leisurely exploration, typically requiring about one hour to fully appreciate the seasonal displays and cultural monuments that define this preserved slice of Edo elegance.  

Seasonal and Event Highlights

1. Winter: Plum blossoms are the major late-winter attraction, with more than 20 varieties flowering around February and early March; the annual Plum Festival celebrates the garden’s origins as a famous plum garden.  
2. Spring: Cherry blossoms, wildflowers and other traditional plants appear across the garden, followed by the wisteria around late April to early May.  
3. Summer: Hydrangeas, Japanese irises, bellflowers and climbing plants provide seasonal interest, but Tokyo’s heat and humidity can make midday visits uncomfortable. The garden itself issues heatstroke precautions during midsummer.  
4. Early Autumn: The 30-meter Hagi Tunnel becomes the garden’s signature sight as bush clover flowers, accompanied by the traditional Hagi Festival.  
5. Moon Viewing Festival: This traditional Edo-period event is held around the lunar moon-viewing period, with extended evening opening and lantern-lit garden scenery; dates vary each year.  
6. Late Autumn: Susuki pampas grass, autumn wildflowers, chrysanthemums and other traditional plants give the garden a quieter seasonal character rather than the large-scale maple foliage displays found at some other Tokyo gardens.