Happo-En Garden, Shirokanedai

A blissful green oasis in the middle of Tokyo

Peter Sidell Oct 12, 2012 - 1 min read

<p>The pond is inhabited by carp who gather expectantly when they see visitors at the water's edge</p>

<p>Cherry-blossoms cast cool shade on the tall stone pagoda</p>

<p>There are a handful of places to sit and rest around the pond</p>

<p>This large lantern stands sentinel at the entrance</p>

<p>For those few days in spring, the entrance is wreathed in cherry-blossom flowers</p>

<p>The path into the garden is also planted with cherry-blossom trees</p>

<p>Visitors to the garden admire bonsai trees older than themselves</p>

<p>The paths lead down to a serene pond</p>

<p>Said to be 800 years old, this lantern stands calmly in the grasses near the pond</p>

<p>A view down to the pond from the terrace above</p>

<p>Visitors enjoy the calming atmosphere as they stroll slowly around the garden</p>

Ten minutes' walk from Meguro Station, Happo-En is one of Tokyo's most pleasant traditional gardens. The name means 'beautiful from any angle', which explains its appeal as a venue for weddings; come here at the weekend and you're likely to see happy couples being photographed with the garden as their backdrop. Designed around a central pond, the garden is home to venerable bonsai trees, an ancient stone lantern, and a teahouse where you can enjoy tea and snacks served by ladies in kimonos.

Peter Sidell @peter.sidell

I came to Japan from Manchester, England in 2003, and have travelled a lot since then, around Japan and in Asia. When I'm not working, I write satire and perform stand-up comedy in and around Tokyo. Check YouTube for a taste.