Hibiya Park 日比谷公園

An oasis of calm and Japan's first Western-style park

Hibiya Park with its carefully maintained trees, grass lawns and flower beds, is an oasis of calm in the heart of the city. It is within easy walking distance of the Imperial Palace and Ginza and can be combined with numerous other nearby attractions.

The vast, 16-hectare Hibiya Park has a rich history: It was feudal grounds during the Edo period (1603–1867) and then a military parade square in much of the Meiji era (1868–1912) before it was converted into Japan's first Western-inspired modern park in 1903. Today, there are thousands of tall trees, including a gingko tree known as the "kubi-kake gingko" that is estimated to be about 500 years old.

At the center of the park is a fountain inspired by a crane, the nationally popular bird that brings good luck. Revelers will enjoy the seasonal events including an Oktoberfest carnival and Christmas market, and regular music performances held at the open-air concert hall within the park grounds. In October, there is an event which allows visitors to relax in the grassy area that is usually closed off.