Timeline
06:20
Walk the perimeter of the gardens before they open to the public. The tide is often low at sunrise, exposing the mudflats and offering a quiet, stark view of the water's edge and the distant city skyline. It is the perfect time for photography without the tourist crowds.
06:50
Watch the sun rise over the western horizon. In January, the sun sets toward the WSW, but at sunrise, the light hits the water and the historic tea house from the east. The stillness of the garden at this hour is unmatched.
07:20
Head to the nearby café for a warm breakfast. By this time, the gardens are open and the morning chill has lifted. Order a coffee and a light bite to start your day properly.
07:50
Re-enter the gardens now that they are fully open. Stroll through the paths, visit the traditional tea house, and enjoy the flowers and trees in the full morning light. The contrast between the natural landscape and the surrounding skyscrapers is striking.
Local tip
Check the tide schedule if you want to see the exposed mudflats at low tide, which often coincides with sunrise. The café near the gardens opens early, making it a perfect post-sunrise stop.
Check before you go
- Hama-rikyū Gardens opens at 9:00 in winter, but the perimeter is accessible earlier.
- The café near the gardens opens at 7:00 on weekdays and 8:00 on Sundays and public holidays.
- Sunrise times vary by season: 06:50 in January, 05:09 in April, 04:36 in July, and 05:46 in October.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Tokyo (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).