1. How can people get to Rikugien Garden?
There are multiple ways to get to Rikugien Garden:
1. By train:
Take the JR Yamanote line or Keihin-Tohoku line to Komagome Station. From there, it is a 10-15 minute walk to the garden.
2. By subway:
Take the Nanboku line directly to Rikugien Station. The garden entrance is just a 5-minute walk from the station.
3. By bus:
Take bus #75 or #82 and get off at the Honkomagome bus stop, which is a 5-minute walk from the garden.
4. By car:
There is limited parking available near the garden for a fee.
5. Walk or bike:
Rikugien Garden is located within walking distance of several major tourist attractions, such as Tokyo Dome City and Ueno Park. It can also be reached by bike from nearby areas using designated cycling paths.
6. Guided tour:
Some organized tours include visits to Rikugien Garden in their itineraries, offering transportation to and from the garden as part of their package deal.
Once you arrive at the garden entrance, there is an admission fee of 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for children over six years old.
2. What is the closest train station to Rikugien Garden?
The closest train station to Rikugien Garden is Komagome Station on the JR Yamanote Line.
3. Is there parking available at or near Rikugien Garden?
Yes, there is paid parking available at Rikugien Garden. It costs 200 yen for the first hour and then 100 yen for every additional hour. There is also a rooftop parking lot nearby operated by Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association, which costs 200 yen per hour.
4. Are there any bus routes that pass by Rikugien Garden?
Yes, there are several bus routes that pass by Rikugien Garden. Some examples include:
– Toei Bus 01 (from Tokyo Station to Roppongi Station) – get off at “Rikugien” stop
– Toei Bus 41 (from Shinagawa Station to Ikebukuro Station) – get off at “Hon-komagome Sta.” or “Rikugien-mae” stop
– Tokyo Sakura Tram Toden Arakawa Line (from Waseda to Minowa Shiori) – get off at “Rikugi-en-mae” stop
5. Are there taxis available for hire outside of Rikugien Garden?
Yes, there are usually taxis available for hire outside of Rikugien Garden. Taxis can also be hailed from the street or through a ride-hailing app such as Uber or JapanTaxi.
6. Can bicycles be rented near Rikugien Garden?
Yes, there are several places near Rikugien Garden where bicycles can be rented. Some options include:
1. Asakusa Taito Cycle Base: located about a 5-minute walk from Rikugien Garden, this rental shop offers various types of bicycles for rent, including electric bikes and family-sized bikes.
2. Shiki Bike Rental Meguro: located about a 15-minute walk from Rikugien Garden, this rental shop has a wide selection of bicycles to choose from and also offers guided tours around the Meguro area.
3. J-Cycle Rental Ueno Park Shop: located about a 10-minute walk from Rikugien Garden, this rental shop offers both regular and electric bikes for rent and also provides route maps and recommendations for cycling in the Ueno area.
4. Tokyo Mega Don Quijote Ikebukuro Outlet Cycle Rental: located about a 15-minute train ride from Rikugien Garden, this rental shop is inside the popular shopping center “Don Quijote” and offers bicycle rentals at affordable prices.
5. Yoyogi Rental Service: located about a 25-minute train ride from Rikugien Garden, this rental service allows you to pick up a bike at one location and drop it off at another, making it convenient for exploring different parts of Tokyo.
It is best to check the specific rental shops’ hours, rates, and availability before visiting.
7. Is it possible to walk to other nearby attractions from Rikugien Garden?
Yes, Rikugien Garden is located in Tokyo’s Bunkyo ward, which is known for its rich cultural heritage and many attractions. Some nearby attractions that can be reached on foot include Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Nezu Shrine, Ueno Park, and Tokyo Dome City.
8. How long does it take to tour the entire garden on foot?
The Chicago Botanic Garden covers an area of 385 acres, and has over 26 different display gardens and natural areas. It would take approximately 4-5 hours to tour the entire garden on foot, assuming a leisurely pace with stops at each major garden. However, some visitors may choose to spend more time exploring specific areas or taking breaks along the way, so the exact amount of time may vary for each individual.
9. Are there guided tours available at Rikugien Garden?
Yes, there are guided tours available at Rikugien Garden. The garden offers free English-language guided tours every Tuesday and Saturday at 2:00pm and 3:00pm. Reservations are not required for these tours. Additionally, there is a paid tea ceremony tour available that includes a guided tour of the garden and a traditional Japanese tea ceremony experience. This tour must be reserved in advance through the official website or by phone. Private tours with an English-speaking guide can also be arranged for an additional fee.
10. What are the opening and closing times of the garden?
The opening and closing times of the garden vary depending on the season and day of the week. It is best to check the garden’s official website for the most up-to-date information. generally, however, the garden may open as early as 9:00am and close as late as 6:00pm or 8:00pm. During peak season, the garden may have extended hours and stay open until 10:00pm.
11. Are there any admission fees for entering Rikugien Garden?
Yes, there is an admission fee of 300 yen for adults. Children under 12 years old can enter for free. 12. Does the garden have any special events or festivals throughout the year?
The specific events and festivals at the garden may vary depending on the location. Some gardens may host seasonal events such as a spring flower festival or fall harvest festival. Other gardens may have regular events like concerts or educational workshops. It is best to check the garden’s website or contact them directly for information on their upcoming events and festivals.
13. Is it possible to bring a stroller or wheelchair into the garden?
Yes, strollers and wheelchairs are allowed in the garden. The paths throughout the garden are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Some areas of the garden may have steps or uneven terrain, but there are alternate routes available for those with mobility needs.
14. Can visitors bring food and drinks into the garden with them?
It depends on the policies of the specific garden. Some gardens may allow visitors to bring their own food and drinks, while others may have restrictions or only permit food and drinks to be purchased on-site. It’s best to check with the garden before your visit to confirm their policies.
15. Are dogs allowed in Rikugien Garden?
Dogs are not allowed in Rikugien Garden. The garden management has a strict policy against bringing pets inside to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the garden for all visitors. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
16. What types of plants and flowers can be found in the garden?
The types of plants and flowers that can be found in a garden vary greatly depending on the climate and location. Some common examples include roses, tulips, daisies, lilies, sunflowers, hydrangeas, daffodils, lavender, snapdragons, marigolds, petunias, and pansies. Tropical gardens may also have exotic flowers such as orchids and hibiscus. Herb gardens may feature plants like basil, mint, and rosemary. Succulent gardens may have a variety of cacti and other drought-resistant plants. Native gardens will showcase plants indigenous to the region. Overall, there is a wide range of possibilities for plants and flowers in a garden.
17. Is there a map or guide available for navigating through the garden?
Yes, most gardens will have a map or guide available for visitors to help them navigate through the garden. This map typically shows the layout of the garden, including various paths and trails, as well as designated areas and points of interest. Some gardens may also offer guided tours or audio tours for an even more immersive experience. These maps and guides can usually be obtained at the entrance or information center of the garden.
18. How crowded does Rikugien Garden get, especially during peak season?
Rikugien Garden can get quite crowded during peak season, especially during the autumn months when the autumn foliage is at its peak. The garden may also be crowded during weekends and public holidays. It is recommended to visit during weekdays or early in the morning to avoid large crowds.
19. What are some nearby restaurants or cafes for grabbing a bite after visiting the garden?
Some possible nearby options for restaurants or cafes include:
1. The Cheesecake Factory – a popular chain restaurant serving a variety of dishes, including cheesecake, in a casual setting
2. Panera Bread – a fast-casual bakery and cafe offering sandwiches, soups, salads, and baked goods
3. Olive Garden – an Italian-American chain restaurant known for its pasta dishes and unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks
4. Chipotle Mexican Grill – a fast-casual Mexican restaurant known for its burritos, bowls, and tacos
5. Seasons 52 – a upscale grill and wine bar with seasonal menus featuring fresh ingredients
6. P.F Chang’s – an Asian-inspired chain restaurant known for its Chinese food specialties
7. Starbucks – a ubiquitous coffeehouse chain offering hot and cold drinks as well as pastries and light bites
8. California Pizza Kitchen – a chain pizzeria offering creative pizza toppings as well as salads, pasta, and more
9. Sweet Tomatoes – an all-you-can-eat buffet-style restaurant featuring fresh salads, soups, pastas, pizzas, and baked goods.
10. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse- a family-friendly restaurant known for its handcrafted beer and American comfort food menu.
20. Is there a gift shop at Rikugien Garden where visitors can purchase souvenirs related to the garden and its history?
Yes, there is a gift shop located near the entrance of Rikugien Garden. In this shop, visitors can purchase souvenirs such as postcards, keychains, and other items featuring the garden’s beautiful scenery and its history. They also sell traditional Japanese crafts and local products that make great gifts or mementos from your visit to Rikugien Garden.