The Tokyo Gardens Stamp Rally

A Scavenger Hunt to Discover Tokyo's Gardens

Rikugi-en, Koishikawa Korakuen, and Hama-rikyu—these must-see spots are among Tokyo’s nine historic gardens . In the fall, they are adorned with warm colors, making this one of the best times to explore them.

And what better way to do that than with a stamp rally! The concept of the Stamp Rally is simple: during the event, pick up a booklet—available for free at participating gardens—and have it stamped at each garden you visit. The rewards increase based on the number of gardens you visit, up to a total of nine stamps.

How can I participate?

The Stamp Rally runs from October 10 to December 6, 2026.

The Prizes

• 3 stamps: an original postcard
  The first 4,000 participants who collect three stamps will receive a postcard featuring one of the gardens. The design corresponds to the garden where you pick up your reward.
• 5 stamps: a discount on the 2027 calendar
  With five stamps, you’ll receive a coupon allowing you to purchase the 2027 Metropolitan Gardens calendar for 300 yen instead of 500 yen. The coupon is valid for the purchase of up to five copies, while supplies last.
• 7 stamps: JR East gifts
  Seven stamps allow you to enter a raffle for a chance to win one of two prizes offered by the JR East railway company, each accompanied by the complete set of postcards from the nine gardens: a picnic mat set or a plastic folder set.
• 9 stamps: the collector’s badge and an additional drawing
  Participants who visit all nine gardens will receive an original garden badge, limited to the first 1,300 participants . They can also enter a raffle for a chance to win one of the following three prizes: an original garden tote bag and a hanten-shaped keychain; an assortment of wasanbon (Japanese sweets) and an annual pass to a garden of their choice; or two tickets to the spring illuminations at Rikugi-en.

Participants in the raffles who have collected seven or nine stamps are also eligible for a second chance to win one of 100 sets of original postcards. For the raffles, the entry form included in the booklet must be mailed and received by the organizers no later than December 14, 2026. Good luck!

The Nine Gardens of the Stamp Rally

Hamarikyu

This is one of our favorite gardens! Located on the shores of Tokyo Bay, Hamarikyu offers a striking contrast between a traditional garden and skyscrapers. Formerly the estate of the Tokugawa shoguns, it is known for its saltwater pond, whose level rises and falls with the tides, and its tea house.

In the fall, the trees along the water’s edge gradually take on their autumn colors. The garden can also be visited in the evening during certain nighttime events held throughout the rally.

Our tip: To make the experience memorable, don’t forget to enjoy a matcha at the tea house. The view of the garden from there is breathtaking in the fall. To extend the adventure, we also recommend taking the cruise from Hamarikyu to Asakusa.

Kyu-Shiba-rikyu

Just a stone’s throw from Hamamatsucho Station, Kyu-Shiba-rikyu is one of Tokyo’s oldest gardens. Created during the Edo period (1603–1868), it is laid out around a pond dotted with small islands and paths that allow visitors to experience the landscape from various angles.

Koishikawa Korakuen

Created in the early Edo period, Koishikawa Korakuen is one of Tokyo’s most famous historic gardens. Its landscape features a pond, bridges, artificial hills, and vegetation, with several elements inspired by Chinese landscape design. Fall is a particularly popular time to visit for its maple trees, whose colors are reflected in the garden’s water.

Our recommendation: Located just a stone’s throw from the Tokyo Dome, the garden is a great starting point for exploring the surrounding area, including Tokyo Dome City, a shopping complex that features its own amusement park right in the heart of Tokyo!

Rikugi-en

Located in Komagome, Rikugi-en is one of Tokyo’s must-visit spots in the fall! The garden, created during the Edo period, is laid out around a pond and features landscapes inspired by Japanese literature. Its many maple trees make it a must-see stop on the Stamp Rally when the fall colors begin to appear.

Kyu-Iwasaki-tei

In Ueno,Kyu-Iwasaki-tei stands out for its architecture. The former residence of the Iwasaki family, founders of Mitsubishi, combines a Western-style building, a traditional Japanese structure, and a garden.

Mukojima-Hyakkaen

Located east of Tokyo, Mukojima-Hyakkaen has a different atmosphere from the large feudal gardens. Created during the Edo period, it is known for its diverse plant life and seasonal blooms.

Kiyosumi

In Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, Kiyosumi centers around a pond and a group of carefully arranged stones along the water’s edge. The garden was redesigned during the Meiji period (1868–1912) and today serves as a fine example of the landscape style of that era.

Note that a visit here pairs well with an exploration of the Kiyosumi-Shirakawa neighborhood, famous for its many cafés, as several coffee roasters are located just a few meters apart. Our recommendations? iki Espresso, a spot inspired by Australian coffee culture, which we love for its specialty coffees and generous brunches, and Blue Bottle Coffee, housed in a former warehouse.

Kyu-Furukawa

Located near Rikugi-en, Kyu-Furukawa is recognizable by its Western-style mansion, set atop a Japanese garden. The property thus combines a rose garden, a historic residence, and a traditional landscaped garden. It’s one of the most unique stops on the rally and a great opportunity to visit two gardens on the same outing!

Tonogayato

In Kokubunji, in western Tokyo, Tonogayato offers a respite away from the city center. The garden stretches around a pond fed by a natural spring. Its tea house and maple trees make it a worthwhile stop during the momiji season, while also allowing visitors to discover another side of the metropolis.

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