The fall illuminations of Rikugi-en Park 六義園の秋のイルミネーション
- Published on : 27/09/2018
- by : Ph.L
- Youtube
The autumn illuminations of Rikugi-en
Ph.L
The garden "of the six poems" and the momiji
Created in Komagome in the 17th century by order of shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, Rikugi-en is one of Tokyo's most famous gardens for its reddening leaves!
Rikugi-en, an iconic Tokyo garden
The "garden of the six poems," Rikugi-en, is undoubtedly one of Tokyo's most famous traditional gardens. Founded in the 17th century at the request of Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, its layout is inspired by Waka poetry, a form of poetry developed during the Heian period (794-1192), which advocates the harmony of nature. Water, greenery, hills, you can see the world at a glance!
Rikugien Garden in Komagome
Flick/ K. Suzuki
Due to its unique layout, the garden has been placed under government protection since the 1950s. It is one of the most visited gardens in the Japanese capital and remains dear to the hearts of Tokyoites who often come for a walk there when autumn arrives. Indeed, Rikugi-en is famous for its maple trees! Magnificent trees turn red each year and which the garden likes to showcase during the koyo (autumn leaves) season with its illuminations in November.
- To read: The Rikugi-en garden
Momiji and games of light
Rikugi-en hosts its Autumn Illuminations from mid-November to early December, a magnificent play of light that showcases the garden's most beautiful species as the leaves turn red.
Until 9 p.m., it is, therefore, possible to come and discover the park in a new light: yellow lights on the garden hill, shades of blue at the back of the site, and a jumble of colors on the most beautiful maple trees in the area, Rikugi-en is adorned with a thousand and fireworks for the greatest pleasure of the visitors who are invited to discover the show in music!
Flutes and the ringing of bells accompany the illuminations. A soundtrack changes to the rhythm of the colors and blends perfectly with the flow of water from the garden.
From water sources to trees, everything is illuminated
Ph.L
The event is viral in the capital; the event welcomes many visitors: couples, families, and friends; the garden fills up visibly at the end of the evening! This is why it is strongly recommended to start the visit in the late afternoon! You will avoid the crowds, but you will also be able to enjoy the two faces of the garden: the park by day and the site by night.
Note that Rikugi-en is not the only garden in Tokyo to host autumn illuminations. And the green corners of Sumida are also conducive to observing red leaves.
- See also: Koyo in Tokyo.
However, the “garden of the six poems” remains an unmissable place in the capital this season. And whether for its facilities or the old teahouses it houses, Rikugi-en at night has nothing to do with the garden we know in broad daylight. It would be a shame to miss this!
Address, timetable & access
Address
Timetable
A few minutes' walk from Komagome station (Yamanote and Namboku lines).Price
300 yen ($2.50/2€)Access
From November 18 to December 6, 2018, 9 am to 9 pm.
