Mukojima-hyakka-en（向島百花園）
A rare Edo-period flower garden still blooming today
Located in Tokyo’s Sumida Ward, Mukōjima-Hyakka-en is a unique historic garden built between 1804 and 1830. Unlike many Japanese gardens from the Edo period, this one was not created by a feudal lord or as part of a private residence. Instead, an antique dealer named Sahara Kikū developed it as a cultural salon for poets, artists, and scholars.
The name “Hyakka-en” means “garden of a hundred flowers,” and the site truly lives up to that name. While it initially featured 360 plum trees, it soon expanded to include a wide range of flowering plants and shrubs. Many of these are referenced in classical Japanese and Chinese poetry, creating a deep link between literature and landscape.
What sets Mukōjima-Hyakka-en apart is its seasonal variety. Throughout the year, different flowers come into bloom—plum blossoms in early spring, bush clover in autumn, and many others in between. This cycle offers a constantly changing display that reflects the passing seasons.
The garden’s layout is more naturalistic than many traditional stroll gardens. Winding paths, open meadows, and pockets of flowers create a relaxed, informal feeling. Though compact, the garden includes a bamboo tunnel, stone monuments, and inscriptions by famous poets of the time.
Since it is the only surviving Edo-period flower garden in Tokyo, Mukōjima-Hyakka-en holds both historical and botanical importance. Today, it is part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Parks system and welcomes visitors seeking a peaceful, literary escape just minutes from the city’s bustle.
Read more in our eBook!
Mukōjima-Hyakka-en Garden Guide
This eBook introduces Mukōjima-Hyakka-en in Tokyo, a rare flower garden from the Edo period with plants linked to Japanese poetry and art.
Perfect for literature lovers, seasonal flower fans, and anyone interested in Japan’s living cultural heritage.
Learn more before your visit—or revisit from home.
Read more in our Blog:
Gallery
Directions
How to get to the garden
The closest metro station is Higashi-Mukojima of the Tobu-Skytree-Line. From the station, head 500m east to get to the garden.
Address
- EN: Tokyo, Sumida-ku, Higashimukojima 3-18-3
- JP: 東京都墨田区東向島三丁目
Opening times
- 9:00 – 17:00 (last entry at 4:30pm)
Closed around New Year between December 29th and January 3st.
Admission fee
- Adults: 150 yen
- Free for Elementary School Students and younger
- Free for Junior High School Students who live in Tokyo
Facilities & Accessibility
- The garden is not completely barrier free. Check the pamphlet for more information. (Two short paths only aren't accessible.)
- Multipurpose toilet available.
- Small shop available.
Best time to visit
- Garden is part of the 7 lucky gods route.
- February and March for plum blossoms.
- Mid April for Wisteria.
- September for Lespedeza tunnel.
- Small bamboo forest.
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