Hibiya Park

日比谷公園 hibiya-kôen

Chiyoda-ku / Tôkyô

Recognized as Japan’s first modern park designed after Western models, Hibiya Park opened in 1903. It is primarily a large public urban park, but it contains distinct garden sections within its grounds. The park serves as a bridge between Western and Japanese landscaping traditions. 1. Western Garden Elements: The majority of the park features symmetrical flower beds (famous for roses and tulips), wide gravel paths, and large open fountains. 2. Japanese Garden Elements: About one-quarter of the park preserves traditional Japanese aesthetics. This includes the Shinji-ko pond, shaped like the Chinese character (kanji) for “heart,” and a stone wall remaining from the old Edo Castle. The Kubi-kake Ginkgo tree, which is 400 to 500 years old, stands right next to the famous “Hibiya Matsumotoro” restaurant.