Mid-February already. The plum blossoms have started to bloom. Spring is just around the corner. So, one day, let's go to the park. I had been planning to visit the Shiba Rikyu and Hama Rikyu Gardens for a while. It's not just an ordinary park. It's a paid park, but that's not the point. I love strolling through gardens. I had been wanting to go, but kept putting it off. Since January this year, they have been holding a "Tokyo Metropolitan Park 150th Anniversary Commemorative Park Tour Digital Stamp Rally" until next March. You can get a panda pin badge based on the number of stamps collected. I really enjoy stamp rallies, so I decided to go. Shiba Rikyu and Hama Rikyu are both checkpoints. When I mentioned at work that I enjoy exploring gardens, I got a surprised reaction. Well, I find it blissful to sit on a bench and gaze at such magnificent views. So, this time, I invited my mother to go out. For Keikyu users, you can take the Toei Asakusa Line directly from Daimon Station to Shiba Rikyu, and then take a 15-minute walk to Hama Rikyu. Once we arrive at Hama Rikyu and get the stamp, let's take a tea break. Both Shiba Rikyu and Hama Rikyu are easily accessible in the city. It's amazing to find such vast and beautiful gardens in the midst of skyscrapers. You can see the high-rise buildings from the gardens. There's a loop line of the Shuto Expressway right next to the park, so you can hear the sound of cars, but it feels farther away than it actually is. There's a facility at Hama Rikyu where you can have tea. Among the tea houses in the garden, only Nakajima Teahouse is open for both tours and actual tea service. You have to take off your shoes to enter. Phew, I'm glad I wore normal socks. I usually bring back the socks provided at inns as souvenirs, so I wear them without taking off my shoes in advance. I would not have been able to enter if I had worn those socks. I wear slippers when going out to the terrace. The tables are made of wood, fitting well with the teahouse building. I ordered the "Seasonal Japanese confectionery and matcha," tax included at 850 yen. My mother chose amazake for 400 yen. While waiting for the tea, we enjoyed the view. It's so elegant. People who come to visit such gardens are not in a hurry. Let's wait patiently and enjoy our tea slowly. Of course, the teahouse building itself is one of the buildings you can visit in the garden, so you can enter even if you're not having tea. So, while we were having tea, we saw foreign tourists taking commemorative photos nearby. The items served on the tray are quite beautiful. The hot matcha and the seasonal sweet on the paper. It's shaped like a bird. Amazake is served in a bowl even bigger than the matcha bowl. My mother said, "I can't finish this, so please help me," but before I knew it, she had finished it. So, thank you. In such an elegant place, you tend to eat in a refined way. The small sweet is about 5 centimeters in diameter. At home, I would just take a bite, but here, I cut it into pieces and eat it slowly. Mmm, delicious. It looks very sweet, but is actually balanced.

As if signaling the end of the hot summer, the Kibana Cosmos flowers are blooming in the garden, and dragonflies are flying around. Feeling the arrival of autumn today, I visited Hama-rikyu Gardens. The contrast between the high-rise buildings and the green garden creates a lovely atmosphere, where you can relax despite being in the city. In the center, there is a tea house. I decided to go since I was there already. There were about 5 or 6 groups waiting in front, so I prepared myself for a considerable wait, but it wasn't that long, and I was seated in about 10 minutes. After being seated, you can put your shoes in the shoebox, order first, and then sit at an available table. There are tatami, table, and terrace seats. Luckily, a table seat with a view of the garden was available, so I sat there. The menu includes seasonal wagashi and matcha (hot or cold) for 850 yen. I ordered the Kikyo wagashi and cold matcha. It's luxurious to have a cafe time while gazing at the beautiful garden. There were many foreigners around. I think most people here come with the intention of experiencing matcha and wagashi, so they tend to stay for a short time. Even with a bit of a line, the turnover is fast, so waiting is not too stressful. I recommend taking a break here during your stroll.

A tea house inside the Hamarikyu Gardens! It has a great atmosphere and is very stylish! The interior is cool even in the lingering summer heat! They offer a set of fresh Japanese sweets and matcha tea! It's nice that you can choose cold matcha too! It was great to relax there on a weekday afternoon!

I visited "Nakajima no Ochaya" in Takeshiba. This shop is located inside Hama-rikyu Gardens and has a traditional tea house atmosphere. Most of the customers were foreigners who wanted to experience a traditional Japanese tea house. We ordered the seasonal wagashi and cold matcha set. We ordered two sets, and each came with a different wagashi - one was chestnut with sweet bean paste and poppy seeds, and the other was a design of the autumn moon and rabbit with white bean paste. They were both delicious, even though they were almost too cute to eat! The matcha had a mature bitterness that paired well with the sweetness of the wagashi. After exploring the surroundings, we left feeling satisfied. It was a great experience. Unfortunately, the weather was cloudy, so I hope to visit on a sunny day next time. It was a relaxing and enjoyable time! Thank you for the meal!

I visited Hamarikyu Gardens! The teahouse I found in the scorching heat was like an oasis✨ 【Atmosphere】The interior of the shop had no music, just the sound of nature. It felt relaxing and solemn. 【Food】I ordered wagashi and matcha. The wagashi motifs were sparklers and Chinese lantern plants. I chose cold matcha, which was rich and delicious! 【Service】The staff in traditional Japanese attire were lovely and elegant! 【Overall】I had a great time relaxing and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere!

I enjoyed a cold matcha and traditional Japanese sweets. The matcha was smooth with a good balance of flavor and bitterness. The Japanese sweets had a theme of sparklers, which was visually appealing and matched well with the matcha. The texture was moist, and the sweetness was just right. After enjoying them, I was able to relax and admire the pond view. It was a fun experience.

The "Gurutto Pass 2023" (2,500 yen) organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture allows free entry or discounts to 101 art museums and museums in Tokyo for a period of two months from the start date. When combined with two Tokyo Metro 24-hour tickets (600 yen each), it is sold for 3,130 yen, saving you 570 yen. I managed to get it and used it this time. I started from Oshiage Station on the Hanzomon Line and headed to Shimbashi Station on the Ginza Line, then walked a bit to the Hama-Rikyu Gardens. I transferred at Mitsukoshimae to the Ginza Line without passing through the ticket gates. I exited from exit 2, went up to street level, crossed the pedestrian bridge at the Horai Bridge intersection, and walked along the greenery towards the Shuto Expressway Circular Route. Once I passed the Ginza Post Office, I could clearly see the Hama-Rikyu Gardens. The Hama-Rikyu Gardens were promoted by the Tokugawa Shogunate from the early Edo period. It became the residence of the Kofu Clan after being given to Tsunashige, the third son of Shogun Iemitsu. It developed as a duck hunting ground and became a reception hall for dignitaries in the Meiji era. The entire property and buildings have been owned by the Imperial Family since 1882. In 1945, it was bestowed upon the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, where it remains today. I presented the Gurutto Pass at the reception to the right after entering the main gate. They said it would take about 10 minutes to walk to the tea house. I had looked up the route and time from the main gate to the tea house on Google Maps, but nothing came up. I walked along the gravel path in the garden with pine trees, surrounded by tall buildings on all sides. Indeed, I arrived at the tea house in about 10 minutes. I took off my shoes at the entrance, put them in the shoebox on the right, and ordered a set of "Dorayaki and Cold Matcha" (850 yen) at the counter, paying with my credit card. I was given a number tag and chose a spot to sit. It was my first time visiting the Hama-Rikyu Gardens, and I was looking forward to it, but when I arrived, it just seemed spacious. The set of cold matcha and dorayaki was served on a tray. With the lifting of restrictions due to the pandemic, almost all visitors to the Hama-Rikyu Gardens are foreigners, mainly white tourists as group tours from China are still not allowed. The sound of a distant whistle could be heard. Now, where should I head next? The 24-hour ticket saves 82 yen - 209 yen = 291 yen saved. The Gurutto Pass saves 2,320 yen - 300 yen = 2,620 yen saved.

During a stroll in the garden, I took a break and had a cold matcha tea for 400 yen. I left my shoes at the entrance, placed my order, and paid using PayPay. The building was very nice, and as soon as I stepped inside, I felt comfortable with the air conditioning. The view was also beautiful, so I relaxed while enjoying my matcha tea. I went out to the terrace to admire the scenery and take some photos. It was a leisurely experience. I would like to visit again when the flowers are in bloom.

I had lunch at Tsukiji Market and was looking for a cafe afterwards. I found out there was a cafe inside a paid park nearby. The park was so peaceful and calm that I didn't mind paying the 350 yen entrance fee. After a 10-minute walk from the entrance, I saw the cafe. It had a very traditional Japanese atmosphere, making me feel like I was in Kyoto. I chose a 850 yen tea set with Japanese sweets. Drinking it while looking outside enhanced the atmosphere even more, and I felt like I was far away from the city.

Recently, due to the weak yen and low prices (although expensive for Japanese people), there has been a significant increase in inbound tourism. Here, in "The Tourist Spot," everyone lining up is a tourist. Of course, if you come to Japan, you want to experience matcha. It's quite strange to be served in English while in Japan. The location is wonderful.

I visited "Nakajima no Ochaya" located in the Hama-rikyu Gardens. The grounds are surprisingly spacious for Tokyo, with garden facilities scattered throughout. Walking and sightseeing, you'll come across a tea house after crossing a long bridge. From inside the shop, you can enjoy a beautiful view, feeling as if you're floating on the pond. I had matcha while admiring the scenery, and it was excellent. There are also terrace seats for even more open-air relaxation. On a sunny day, you'll want to spend the whole day leisurely here. I was surprised to find such a relaxing space in Tokyo.

This is a tea house located in the middle of the pond at the Hama Rikyu Gardens. You need to enter the park to access it. Despite being in the city, this park is full of greenery and you can enjoy tea while admiring the peaceful scenery. It's a luxurious and elegant experience. I was able to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

Hamarikyu Gardens is such a lovely place, this is my third visit but my first time at the tea house. It's so beautiful here, with this expansive garden right in the middle of the bustling city. As I enjoy the greenery, I can't help but look up and see the towering skyscrapers in the distance. I wonder if Tokugawa someone used to come here on horseback to hunt or take leisurely walks in the past. The majestic pine trees, some over 300 years old, really give a sense of history. Even as the view outside changes, I wonder if this garden has remained the same over the years. As I gaze at the pond, I indulge in some matcha and sweet confections. The sweet and beautiful wagashi paired with the slightly bitter matcha is irresistible. Even tourists must find it irresistible, haha.

There is a rest area (tea house) located in the Hama Rikyu Gardens, standing on an island in the middle of a pond. The terrace seats offer a lovely view of the pond and the scenery on the opposite bank. This time, I ordered the seasonal nerikiri sweets and matcha set, but they also have menu items like dorayaki available.

The field mustard flowers are in full bloom, so there were many visitors even on weekdays. Foreign tourists were noticeable. I waited about 10 minutes to enter. It seems like it would be even busier on weekends and holidays. The seating was random. Since the temperature was getting warmer, I thought sitting outside would be nice, but we were seated at an indoor table. The bitter matcha tea paired with sweet Japanese confectionery was a delicious combination.

A tea house located in Hama Rikyu Gardens in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. It was restored in 1983 to recreate the central tea house that was originally in the garden of the Hama Palace during the Edo period. The traditional Japanese-style building provides a suitable space for enjoying tea. It can get crowded at certain times, with lines forming outside. The Matcha Set with Wagashi is one of the set menu options. As the name suggests, it includes Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) and matcha tea. The Wagashi, called Fukume, is a smooth confection decorated with camellia flowers, perfect for the spring season. It paired well with the slightly bitter matcha.

One of the three famous gardens in the Edo period, there is a tea house in Hamarikyu where you can feel like you've slipped back in time. The location is huge, right in front of the Dentsu headquarters. It's a relaxing experience to eat traditional Japanese sweets while looking at the pond. Japanese sweets have been popular recently, but as someone who has always been familiar with them, experiencing this revival phenomenon brings a mix of joy and nostalgia. It reminds me of the passionate individuals who couldn't continue. It's a recommended tea house. Well then, I'm off to the next world.

During a stroll at Hama Rikyu Gardens, I had a cup of tea. The garden spread out before me, with buildings standing in the background. The weather was nice, not too cold even though it was late December. The sunshine was pleasant, making the garden sparkle. Since I had already eaten lunch, I only had the tea, which cost 400 yen. It felt very reasonable to enjoy matcha at Hama Rikyu. Thank you for the treat.

We decided to visit Hama Rikyu Gardens in Tokyo based on my son's desire to find peace and tranquility in a garden, amidst the sea of buildings in the city. Even though it was winter and most of the trees had lost their autumn leaves, we still enjoyed the serene pond, bridges, and tea house. The tea house even had a terrace where we could sit and enjoy matcha tea with Christmas-themed sweets. Looking out at the buildings reflected on the pond's surface, I couldn't help but think how uniquely Tokyo it all was.

The tea room in the Hama Rikyu Gardens is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the view of the garden across the pond. The Japanese sweets were delicious. A must-visit spot in Hama Rikyu Gardens, not just for walking around but also for a relaxing break.

Despite it being November, we were blessed with a sunny holiday with an expected high temperature of 25 degrees. We had planned to go to an art museum, but decided to change our plans and head to Hamarikyu Gardens instead. The entrance fee was ¥300 for adults, and when we entered around noon, the garden was bustling with many people. We were able to enjoy the well-maintained pine trees, beautiful autumn cherry blossoms that seemed to be on their last day of exhibition, winter cherry blossoms blooming just before winter, and the stunning contrast of yellow and yellow-green gingko leaves that had turned red. When we climbed a small hill known as the Shogun's Resting Place, we could see the Rainbow Bridge in the distance. One of the American tourists who had climbed up behind us exclaimed, "Oh, San Francisco!" when they saw the bridge, which made us all laugh together. After leisurely strolling for about 70-80 minutes, we decided to take a break at the tea house. Around 13:30, there were about 10 groups of people waiting in line at the entrance, so we checked the menu posted outside before joining the back of the line. We were looking forward to the Seasonal Nerikiri and Matcha Set for ¥850, but unfortunately, it was sold out. The only other set available was dorayaki, which we weren't interested in, and there was nothing else that caught our eye. So, we ended up ordering: - Matcha x2 for ¥400 each - Assorted Rice Crackers Set for ¥540 - Refined Sweet Bean Jelly for ¥290 The rice crackers were packaged for souvenirs, but we were told we could eat them in the tea house as well, so we chose to take the leftovers home. The matcha was average in taste and lukewarm with a small portion. I wonder if it was served lukewarm to match the weather? Maybe in winter, we can enjoy it hot. The rice crackers weren't very tasty, and the sweet bean jelly seemed to be a small tube from a major manufacturer, and not very impressive. It was quite disappointing. However, the tea house's architecture was wonderful, with a spacious terrace extending over the pond, offering a beautiful view of the garden on a sunny day. Unfortunately, it was fully occupied, so we ended up in a corner indoors. Nevertheless, the open windows provided a pleasant breeze throughout, making it a comfortable place to relax. Despite our brief 20-minute stay, when we left, we noticed that the menu outside still didn't indicate that the set we wanted was sold out. This was disappointing. We waited in line for 15 minutes only to find out it was sold out when it was our turn. It was a letdown, and they should have handled it better. The location was fantastic, but the quality of the offerings was disappointing. We don't know how many sets they had prepared, but it was disappointing to find out it was sold out when we arrived at 13:30. The tea house must have a high utilization rate among visitors. Next time, we'll go earlier.