Your Guide to Enjoying Hibiya Park, an Oasis in the Heart of Tokyo

Until the late Edo period, the land that is now Hibiya Park was home to daimyo residences (samurai households that served the shogun), and in the Meiji era it was used as an Army drill ground.
Later, as part of urban planning, Tokyo was envisioned to have a modern park worthy of the capital, and in 1903 it opened as Japan’s first Western-style park, skillfully blending Western culture with Japanese elements.
Places where you can feel the history of Hibiya Park can be found all throughout the grounds.

In spring, six types of cherry blossoms, including Somei Yoshino, yamazakura, and weeping cherry, bloom in full glory.
There are only about 40 trees, but seeing cherry blossoms in the middle of a big city is something special to Hibiya Park.
As the blossoms fall, tulips and nemophila come into season, delighting visitors with a colorful display.

Hibiya Park is also known as a spot for beautiful fall foliage, with vivid autumn colors throughout the grounds.
The ginkgo-lined avenue with its striking yellow leaves and the massive “Kubi-kake Icho” ginkgo tree, estimated to be 400–500 years old with a trunk circumference of 7 m, are must-sees.
At Kumogata Pond, you can enjoy a colorful mix of red, yellow, and green foliage.
For peak fall colors, visit from late November to early December.

The area that was once the “Second Flower Bed” has now been redeveloped into “Shibaniwa Plaza,” where visitors are free to enjoy the lawn.
With its open, grassy space, it has become a popular spot to relax casually in the heart of the city.
Redevelopment work is ongoing in the surrounding area, and access is restricted in some parts around the “Grand Fountain” and the “Open-Air Concert Hall.”
The landscape is expected to keep changing, which makes this a unique chance to see the park in the middle of its transformation.

The “First Flower Garden” is an area that still preserves the look of the Western-style flower beds from the park’s early years.
It was once known as a famous spot for Western flowers such as tulips and pansies, attracting many visitors.
In one corner of the flower garden, you’ll also find the “Pelican Fountain,” known for its two facing pelicans and its charming retro atmosphere.
Please note that the area around the “First Flower Garden” is also scheduled for redevelopment in the near future, so the scenery may look different depending on when you visit.

Hibiya Mitsuke Ruins and Shinji Pond are located right after you enter the Yurakumon Gate.
Hibiya Mitsuke Ruins are valuable remains of Hibiya Park, counted as one of Edo Castle’s 36 mitsuke.
A “mitsuke” is a gate built along the outer perimeter of Edo Castle.
Edo Castle once had many gates, and this is where one of them, Hibiya Gomon Gate, used to stand.
The moat that once surrounded the stone walls of Hibiya Mitsuke has now become Shinji Pond.
Parts of the stone walls still remain and can be seen today.

Kumogata Pond, known for the Crane Fountain, is a spot where you can enjoy seasonal scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in fall.
In winter, a thin layer of ice forms on the water and icicles hang from the crane’s wings, a signature seasonal sight in Hibiya Park.
A walking path circles the pond, making it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll.

A historic spot said to have opened at the same time Hibiya Park was established.
On the first floor is “Yoshoku Grill & Garden Terrace,” and on the third floor is “French Restaurant Bois de Boulogne.”
At “Yoshoku Grill & Garden Terrace,” you can enjoy classic Japanese-style Western dishes like hayashi rice, hamburger steak, and katsu curry.
“French Restaurant Bois de Boulogne,” where carefully selected chefs from across Japan create full-course meals with seasonal ingredients in an elegant setting, is also a highlight.
It’s located near the park’s symbol, the Large Fountain, so if you’re tired from walking around the park, be sure to stop by.

An area located outside the Imperial Palace’s main gate. In the central Imperial Palace Plaza, Approx. 2,000 Japanese black pines are scattered across lush green lawns.
From Kokyo Gaien National Garden, you can see the historically valuable Nijubashi Bridge. There are also plenty of highlights, including Sakuradamon Gate, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and an impressive bronze statue of the warrior Kusunoki Masashige.

Ginza-dori is Ginza’s main street, lined with department stores and luxury brand boutiques, and it stands alongside New York’s Fifth Avenue and London’s Oxford Street.
The Ginza 4-chome intersection, home to Ginza Wako with its iconic clock tower and Ginza Mitsukoshi known for its lion statues, is a classic view often featured in photos and videos introducing Ginza.
The area is also known as one of Japan’s highest-priced commercial districts. On weekends and holidays, the street becomes pedestrian-only, letting you enjoy a relaxed stroll while soaking in Ginza’s atmosphere.

Construction began in 1920 and it was completed in 1936 as the Imperial Diet Building.
Centered on its main tower, the building is symmetrical, with the House of Councillors on the right and the House of Representatives on the left.
Both houses welcome visitors (free). Tours of both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors take about 1 hour.
In either case, you’ll follow a set route guided by staff responsible for National Diet security.

Head downstairs and you’ll find a true hideaway, set apart from the bustle of central Tokyo.
With private rooms, semi-private rooms ideal for dates or business meals, plus casual table seating and a counter, you can enjoy creative Japanese cuisine that brings out the natural flavors of its ingredients in a space with many different atmospheres.
A hidden gem in Hibiya for anyone looking to enjoy heartfelt hospitality.

NAMIKI667 is a dining, bar, and lounge on the third floor of the hotel “Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo,” which opened in 2018.
With a total area of 630 m² and spanning the entire third floor, the space features a bold atrium and large windows facing Ginza Namiki-dori, creating an open, airy atmosphere.

A new-style Chinese restaurant based on traditional Shanghai cuisine, with French influences as well.
Focusing on the energy and vitality of plants, you can enjoy natural, healthy dishes.
A signature dish is braised whole shark fin, a premium ingredient.
Other popular authentic dishes include Shanghai hairy crab, Peking duck, and black vinegar sweet-and-sour pork.

Opened in 1890 at the request of the Meiji government, which was promoting Westernization, as a hotel to welcome and entertain overseas guests.
Today, a total staff of 2,000, including skilled professionals in areas such as bell service, concierge, and laundry, welcomes guests from Japan and around the world.
Its refined service and hospitality are loved by guests worldwide.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier is a high-rise hotel in Ginza, Tokyo.
It’s conveniently located Approx. a 5-minute walk from the Ginza Exit of JR Shimbashi Station, and is used as a base for sightseeing and business.
It’s popular for its sophisticated design, high-quality service, and views unique to its upper floors

The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome is a high-rise hotel in Shiodome and Shimbashi.
The facilities occupy the upper floors of Shiodome Tower, and all rooms are located on the 26th floor and above.
From upper floors Approx. 100 m to Approx. 156 m above ground, you can enjoy sweeping views of Hamarikyu Gardens and Tokyo Tower.