It’s a famous wedding and shichigosan (children’s coming of age ceremony) venue and is open early in the morning. Entrance to the garden is free and there is a bakery/cafe for breakfast, tea time and lunch.
This beautiful garden, Happoen is just 8 minutes from Shinagawa Station by taxi (approx 1600 yen) or 23 minutes on foot.
From Nakameguro, it is approximately 15 mins by taxi (approx 1800 yen.)
From Hiroo, it is approximately 10 mins by taxi (approx 1300 yen.)
If you come with a stroller I recommend leaving it in the venue hall as, like almost all Japanese gardens, there are lots of large stepping stones and stairs. Keep an eye on children as there is a pond with fish. Keep an eye out for the bonsai display at the top of the hill (on display year round) and the teahouse down the bottom (reservations required.)
It’s a fantastic place for an early morning stroll and a cup of tea or coffee. There is a bakery/cafe (with the unfortunate name of “Thrush” ) and if you’re lucky enough to grab a balcony seat , you can look over the garden while you have a cuppa. This restaurant is also recommended on the Halal in Japan website.
HAPPOEN
1-1-1 SHIROKANEDAI, MINATO
港区白金台1-1-1
OPEN: 10AM – 10PM ( CLOSED OVER THE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS)
Happoen isn’t far from Shinagawa so see here for other kid-friendly ideas in Shinagawa.
Happoen is also only 14 mins in a taxi from Nakameguro. See here for family friendly Nakameguro options (this is such a cool area.)
Or if you’re just looking for other more traditional Japanese options in the middle of Tokyo, see my blog post here.
