The garden is built on land reclaimed from Tokyo Bay during the early 17th century.
The central pond contains a small island accessible by stone bridges, a common feature in Edo-period landscape design.
Its name stems from its history as the Shiba Detached Palace of the Tokugawa Shogun.
The garden was heavily damaged during the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, leading to the loss of several original structures.
The garden's stones were carefully selected for their shape and color, with some originating from as far as the Izu Peninsula.
It is one of only two remaining Edo-era feudal lord gardens in Tokyo, alongside Koishikawa Korakuen.
The pond level, once influenced by tidal shifts, is now managed artificially to maintain the garden's visual aesthetic.
Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Gardens is one of the oldest remaining daimyo gardens from the Edo period in Tokyo. It features a central pond, Sensui-ike, which originally utilized tidal water from Tokyo Bay. The garden is characterized by its stones and artificial hills, reflecting a classic 'kaiyu-shiki' or stroll-style landscape design. Unlike many other parks, it is situated between modern skyscrapers and the nearby Tokyo Bay waterfront. The grounds were originally part of the residence of the Ohkubo family, served as a detached palace for the Imperial family, and were later gifted to the City of Tokyo. The garden survived the Great Kanto Earthquake and World War II, though its original connection to the sea was severed due to land reclamation. It serves as a rare green space amid the dense urban architecture of the Minato business district.
The western side of the pond looking back toward the garden's islands with the Tokyo Tower visible in the background.
Walk the full loop around the central pond to observe how the perspective of the surrounding skyscrapers changes.
Visit the small viewing platforms to get a clear perspective of the garden's 'shakkei' (borrowed scenery) technique.
Bring a portable fan or cooling supplies in the summer as the stone paths reflect significant heat.
Avoid visiting during heavy midday heat in summer, as there is limited shade away from the entrance area.
Closed briefly for the New Year holidays at the beginning of January.
Refrain from smoking, consuming alcohol, or feeding wildlife. Do not step off the marked gravel or stone paths onto the vegetation.
