Two Parks

Tokyo is very good at parks. In the centre of town, just south of the imperial palace, is Hibiya Park. It is quite small, but manages to be very tranquil. Although little groups of musicians playing and singing together can frequently be found there. Playing a musical instrument in your tiny flat is often forbidden so the park is a popular place to play.

There are also random artworks dotted around the place.

This is still the central business district of Tokyo, so the illusion of a country garden only surives if you don't look up. However it's amazing that something like this can exist right in the middle of the city.

Nearer to our neighbourhood, further north, is the Rikugien Gardens. This is a private park -- you have to pay to enter. It's close to the ideal of a manicured garden. The placement of everything appears to be carefully chosen for harmony. However it's far from any area where you might expect tourists, so it's very quiet compared to more famous and central parks.

It has some excellent trees.

However it's still well within the city limits and it is surrounded by multistorey buildings.