Isao S.
Yelp
This garden was originally a hawking and duck hunting ground but in 1654, Matsudaira Tsunashige, the feudal lord of Kofu received the land as a gift from the shogun and decided to build a residence here. Tsunashige's son, Tsunatoyo who became Tokugawa Ienobu became the 6th Tokugawa shogun and this park became the property of the Tokugawa Family and the name was changed to "Hama-Goten" which means " Beach Palace" and over the years, the shoguns continued to improve the garden.
The Great Kanto Earhqake and the World War bombings did a lot of damage to the garden. On November3, 1945, The Imperial family donated the gardens to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and after a lot of repairs the garden was reopened on April 1 st, 1946. Finally, on November 22nd, 1952 Hamarikyu was designated as a site of great cultural and historical value.
1. Shioiri-no-ike
The water in the pond is seawater drawn from Tokyo bay and changes its appearance by ebb and flow of the tide. This pond is the only remaining seawater pond in Tokyo. There are many different types of saltwater fish in the pond, like black mullet, sea bass, goby and eel. You can also see crabs and wharf roaches and crawling among the barnacles on the rocks of the shore. Birds like the white and gray heron can be seen hunting in the pond.
2. Kamoba-Duck hunting Sites.
In Hamarikyu there are two duck hunting sites. One is the "Koshin-do kamoba" and the other is the "Shinsen-za kamoba" was built in 1791. These duck hunting sights have many narrow trenches that were designed to isolate ducks and make them easier to catch. Duck hunters would lure the ducks as grain and seeds. When the ducks entered the trenches and the time was right the hunters would capture there birds with nets.
In 1935, a grave was built to console the spirits of the ducks that were hunted and killed. This grave is known as the " kamozuka"
3. Nakajima no Ochaya
The Teahouse was first built in 1707, Shoguns, and their guests never got tired of the relaxed atmosphere and the wonderful view. The Teahouse was renovated in 1983. Legend has it that in the past you could see the Boso Peninsula in the distance. They also say that the Teahouse is a great place to watch the moon. Currently, visitors can enjoy green tea and sweets here for a reasonable price of 500 yen.
4. 300-year pine
This tree was planted by Shogun Ienobu 300 years ago to celebrate the major renovation of the gardens. It is propped up on frames and is cared for meticulously. Its thick branches spread out quite low creating a very unique looking tree.