Everyone knows Tokyo is one of the world's busiest cities. Yet despite its bustling streets and densely packed buildings, it has many beautiful gardens that were once part of the estates of wealthy daimyo (lords). Some are located in the grounds of the city's prestigious hotels and restaurants. Others are secluded behind the walls of temples, shrines and former estates. There is even one within the surrounds of the Imperial Palace. Shaped by a harmonious blend of Buddhist, Taoist and Shinto traditions, Japanese gardens are mystical places and serve as a soothing refuge from the hectic pace of the city.
Happo-en
An adviser to the shogunate lived at Happo-en, which translates as 'beautiful from any angle', during the early 17th century. His huge residence, built in the style of a Japanese tea-ceremony house, is now an upmarket restaurant that combines culinary delights with garden strolling. Twisting paths pass an 800-year-old Heike-clan stone lantern and 200-year-old bonsai. The muan, or teahouse, is nestled among trees overlooking a central pond brimming with plump golden koi fish. Happo-en is located near the Shirokanedai subway station. Tea ceremonies cost about US$20; lunch from $30 to $150.
Chinzan-so
The seven-hectare Chinzan-so (House of Camelia) garden graces the undulating grounds of the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel. During the Meiji era (1868-1912), the owner of this garden, Prince Aritomo Yamagata, transported intriguing ancient relics from heritage cities such as Kyoto and Toba to create a historical atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a Japanese-style barbecue in the Hanare-Ya restaurant, where the lunch is pleasant and the setting is soothing, with floor-to-ceiling glass panels allowing the brilliant hues of the garden to come into the room. Perhaps the most beautiful spot in the garden is the Shiratama Inari shrine, where wrapped rice-paper fortunes tied on strings sway gently in the breeze. Dedicated to the fox, the shrine gives the gardens an air of mystique and serenity. Admission: free. Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo 10-8, Sekiguchi 2-chome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, tel: 813 3943 2222.
Hama-rikyu
During the 17th century, the only visitors to this garden would have been dignified daimyo and sword-wielding samurai. As the city began to develop, the site became a sanctuary in which Japan's ruling class could contemplate life, compose poetry and ride horses. Shoguns would sit in silent meditation on a rock by the pond, legs folded and eyes closed. Today, these shoguns would find it hard to fathom the skyscrapers of the futuristic Shidome district gleaming in the background. Hama-rikyu is a 15-minute walk from Shimbashi station. Admission: $3.