Happo-en is located in Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo. It is a popular spot where you can see the fusion of beautiful Japanese gardens, architecture, and nature that have continued since the Edo period on a site of approximately 40,000 square meters.

Among the many famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, this is a rare spot where you can view beautiful cherry blossoms blooming in a Japanese garden, making it a popular spot visited by many tourists.

The night illuminations and special events held during the cherry blossom season are particularly popular, and cafes and restaurants that offer menus that are only available during the cherry blossom season are also very popular.

What is Happo-en?

Happo-en is a garden that was developed at the beginning of the Edo period (early 17th century to early 19th century) on the site of the residence of Okubo Tadanori, a shogunate retainer.

The garden was developed into its current form around 1915, and after World War II it was managed by Hase Satoshi, who ran restaurants in Ginza and Tsukiji. It has become a popular place where you can view the Japanese garden while enjoying a delicious meal, and in 2022 it was chosen as the setting for a dinner between Prime Minister Kishida and President Biden.

In addition to the cherry blossoms, the young leaves in summer, the autumn leaves, and the clear winter scenery are also popular, making this a very popular spot not only with Japanese people but also with visitors from overseas.

What to see at Happo-en

There are about 80 cherry trees planted in Happo-en, which is not a large number compared to other cherry blossom viewing spots.

However, each cherry tree has grown very large, and the combination of the fresh greenery in the garden and the traditional buildings gives it a unique appeal, making it a popular cherry blossom viewing spot.

Highlight 1: Cherry blossoms blooming in a Japanese garden

Happo-en is a stroll-style Japanese garden that recreates nature as it is through the arrangement of trees, stones, water, and soil.

The contrast between the plants that have been tended to take advantage of their natural beauty, including bonsai trees that are over 500 years old, the dry landscape gardens that exude a sense of wabi-sabi, and the historical and traditional buildings, such as the teahouse Yumean and the restaurant Kochuan, which were relocated here to retain their original appearance, is said to be breathtakingly beautiful.

The cherry blossoms planted in the garden include Kawazu cherry, Somei Yoshino, double cherry, weeping cherry, and Gyoiko.

Unlike rows of cherry trees, which bloom in a row, the modest beauty of the cherry blossoms adds a splash of spring color to the garden reminiscent of the Edo period, exuding a sense of transience that is reminiscent of the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi.

Highlight 2: The stunning night cherry blossoms

In contrast to the daytime cherry blossoms that accentuate the beauty of Japanese gardens, the cherry blossoms at Happo-en are lit up in pink light at night, making them very vibrant and offering a new way to enjoy Japanese gardens.

The cherry blossoms at Happo-en are usually lit up during the TOKYO SAKURA GARDEN SPRING FESTIVAL, which is held every year to coincide with the cherry blossom season, and can be enjoyed from sunset until 9 p.m.

At the 2024 TOKYO SAKURA GARDEN SPRING FESTIVAL, there will be a limited-time bar where you can enjoy original cocktails and cherry blossom viewing drinks such as Moet & Chandon while watching the cherry blossoms at night, as well as DJ events.

We also recommend visiting Happo-en at night, where you can enjoy the fusion of a Japanese garden and new culture.

Highlight 3: Enjoy cherry blossom viewing with food

In addition to the restaurant Kochuan, where the US-Japan summit dinner was held, Happo-en has other delicious restaurants such as Thrush Café and RESTAURANT ENJYU.

These restaurants offer limited-edition menus and afternoon teas just in time for the cherry blossom season, so they attract many tourists who come to try the cherry blossom-themed meals and sweets.

The cherry blossom season limited menu requires a reservation every year, so once you have decided on the dates you will visit Happo-en, be sure to make your reservation early.

Cherry blossom season at Happo-en

At Happo-en Garden, the Kawazu cherry blossoms reach their peak blooming season from early to mid-February.

After that, the Takizakura cherry blossoms will bloom in mid-March, and the Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms will bloom from late March to early April.

The cherry blossoms are expected to be in full bloom around March 29th in 2023 and around April 1st in 2024.

Location of Happoen

1-1-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Access to Happoen

Happoen is about 30 minutes by taxi from Haneda Airport.

If you use public transportation, take the Airport Line Express for about 20 minutes to Shinagawa Station, then take a bus for about 10 minutes to Shirokanedai Station, get off at the bus stop, and it's about a 3-minute walk to Happo-en.

Nearby tourist attractions

Tourist Spot 1: Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

Located about a 10-minute walk from Happo-en, the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is an art museum built in 1933 that features exhibitions and lush gardens.

In particular, within the garden you can enjoy the weeping cherry trees and Somei Yoshino cherry trees, which bloom at the same time as the cherry trees at Happo-en.

Location of Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

5-21-9 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Nearby tourist spots ② Zuishoji Temple

Zuishoji Temple, located about a 3-minute walk from Happo-en Garden, is a beautiful temple that combines the main hall, which was founded more than 350 years ago, with the kuri (the residence of the head priest), designed by Kengo Kuma, one of Japan's leading contemporary architects.

It has become a popular tourist spot where you can quietly worship in an artistic space that combines historical buildings and modern architecture.

Location of Zuishoji Temple

3-2-19 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Nearby tourist spots 3. National Museum of Nature and Science Nature Study Center

The National Museum of Nature and Science's Institute for Nature Study is a botanical garden located in the city, but it is a space where you can feel as if you are strolling through a suburban forest.

Within the park, cherry trees are planted along the banks of a pond, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms reflected on the water's surface, as well as observing butterflies and ladybugs attracted by the spring weather.

Location of the National Museum of Nature and Science, Institute for Nature Study

5-21-5 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo

summary

Happo-en is a perfect cherry blossom viewing spot where you can view the cherry blossoms in a historic Japanese garden.

This is an especially recommended spot for those who want to see a spring scene that truly represents Japan!

It's easily accessible from the city center, and you can experience the completely different beauty of the cherry blossoms during the day and at night, so be sure to check it out.