Hibiya Park: Japan's Oldest Western-Style Park

History of Hibiya Park

During the early Edo Period (1603 – 1868), the Hibiya Park area was a fishing village near the ocean. The land eventually fell in the hands of a feudal lord’s family. As the feudal Edo era came to an end, the land was put back into the control of the imperial government. The land then served as the drill ground for the imperial military, and later became known as the “Hibiya Drill Grounds”.

Later in the Meiji Era, buildings began to construct around the drill ground. The drill ground area was then deemed unsuited for military use, and a new drill ground was constructed in the Aoyama area. After the drill ground’s big move, it was decided that a park was to be built in the former Hibiya Drill Grounds area, with architect Honda Seiroku as the planner and designer. The park completed in 1903 as the first western themed park in Japan.

Within the Park

Fountain / Second Flower Garden

The largest fountain in Hibiya Park

The largest fountain and the flower garden in the center of the park serves as the main recreational spot of the premises and are often featured in the media. The fountain operates every 28 minutes; with 24 varieties of fountaining patterns between 8a.m. and 9p.m. Lights illuminate the fountain at night, making it an extra beautiful sight.

First Flower Garden / Pelican Fountain

Pelican Fountain

The first flower garden exists from the park’s opening days in 1903, and is a western style garden. The pelican fountain within the garden is another symbol of the park, and can be seen in scenes from Japanese dramas.

Hibiya Mitsuke / Shinji Pond

Hibiya Mitsuke ruins

Hibiya Mitsuke is the remains of the Hibiya Approach or front gate of the Edo Castle. The approach was made of stone, and a moat surrounded it to protect the Edo Castle.

Shinji Pond

A part of the moat is preserved, and is named Shinji Pond.

Gingko Road / “Risky Gingko Tree”

Gingko trees in Hibiya Park

The S shaped road with gingko trees lined up on both sides has been at the park since 1903, its opening year. The particularly famous cherished gingko, called the Risky Gingko Tree, earns its name from when architect Honda Seiroku claimed he would risk his life in order to re-plant this particular gingko from the streets to the park. The gingko tree was originally planted on a street near the park, and Honda desperately worked to move it into the park.

Cloud Shaped Lake / Crane Fountain

Crane Fountain in the Cloud Shaped Lake

The Crane Fountain, located in the Cloud Shaped Lake, is the third oldest park fountain in Japan. This area is especially stunning during the cherry blossom, gingko and fall foliage seasons.

Seagull Square

Seagull Square

Built in 1984, the Seagull Square was originally a part of the Tokyo District Court. The square now houses trees from every prefecture in Japan, and the fountain is inspired by Tokyo’s official bird, the seagull.

Statues and Monuments

Jose Rizal statue

【Statue of Lupa Romana - ルーパ・ロマーナ像】
The Statue of Lupa Romana was gifted by the Italian embassy in 1938. The statue portrays a scene from the myth of the founding of Rome.

【Ancient Scandinavian Stone - 古代スカンジナビア像】
This large tablet, laying near the pond, is a gift from Scandinavian Airlines. The writings on the tablet are in an ancient Nordic language.

【Antarctic Stone - 南極の石】
In 1996, this stone was donated to Hibiya Park. After the Icebreaker Fuji came back from its journey, it brought back this 150 kg stone from Ongul Island in Antarctica.

【Joze Rizal Statue (pictured above)】
Joze Rizal, a key figure in the Philippines’ independence movement, is celebrated with this statue. In 1888, when Rizal visited Japan, he stayed in a hotel near the current Hibiya Crossing. To commemorate his visit and life, this statue was built in 1961.

Events

Hibiya Park hosts a myriad of events every year. The best way to check is to look online for details of the monthly events. Here are some examples of the events held at Hibiya Park:

International Events

Some of Hibiya Park’s most popular events are the international festivals. The international festivals introduce a country’s culture and cuisine during a span of usually two days, and are always crowded with people enthusiastic about trying a taste of a new culture. Some of the events include the Thai Food Festival, Oktoberfest, Africa Festival and Philippines Festival, with the list growing every year. There is no entry fee, but you must pay at each booth or food stand when buying something.

A healing space within the busy business town

Regardless of being placed in the center of Tokyo's busiest business areas, Hibiya Park is filled with gorgeous nature, sports centers, libraries and more! It is a perfect spot to take a breath during your busy day. The park is also beautiful during all seasons, and has accommodating events throughout the year.

Access

Nearest stations: Tokyo Metro Hibiya Station (Hibiya Line; Chiyoda Line) and Toei Hibiya Station (Toei Mita Line)

From Shinjuku Station 新宿駅

【Shinjuku Sta.】Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / for Ikebukuro
→【Kasumigaseki Sta.】Exit B2 → connects directly to the park entrance

From Tokyo Station 東京駅

【Tokyo Sta.】Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / for Ogikubo
→【Kasumigaseki Sta.】Exit B2 → connects directly to the park entrance

From Narita Airport 成田空港

【Narita Airport Sta.】Tokyo Shuttle / for Shinonome-shako
→【Tokyo Sta.】Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / for Ogikubo
→【Kasumigaseki Sta.】Exit B2 → connects directly to the park entrance

From Haneda Airport 羽田空港

【Haneda Airport Sta.】Keikyu Airport Line Limited Express / for Narita Airport
→【Mita Sta.】Toei Mita Line / for Nishi-Takashimadaira
→【Hibiya Sta.】from Exit A10 or A14 → connects directly to park entrance

Nearby Destinations