As autumn gently settles over Tokyo, the Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden (向島百花園) in Sumida Ward becomes a captivating spectacle of natural elegance, drawing visitors eager to immerse themselves in the full bloom of bush clover flowers. This time-honored garden, nestled in the eastern heart of the city, offers a serene escape adorned with vibrant pink and white clusters of bush clover—locally known as “hagi”—that create an enchanting floral tunnel, a rare and cherished sight for city dwellers and tourists alike.
The garden, celebrated as a Japanese National Place of Scenic Beauty, has a deep cultural and poetic heritage. Its origins trace back to the Edo period when Sahara Kiku, an antiques dealer from northern Japan, planted hundreds of plum trees that gradually transformed the space into a flourishing artistic and literary retreat. Today, it continues that legacy as a calm sanctuary where one can stroll beneath an approximately 30-meter long bamboo lattice arch covered in delicate bush clover blossoms, whose tendrils cascade down, brushing the heads of passersby.
The 2025 blooming season has been particularly spectacular, with about 80 clusters of the brightly hued Miyagino hagi and the white-petaled Shirobana hagi flowers in peak bloom. Visitors to Mukojima Hyakkaen often pause in awe at the graceful petals that float softly in the autumn breeze, their subtle fragrance enriching the crisp fall air. A regular visitor from the neighboring Edogawa Ward expressed heartfelt delight: “Walking through this tunnel filled with flowers and their gentle scent is one of the pure pleasures of autumn. It feels like stepping into a poem.”
Beyond the visual feast, the garden retains a strong connection to tradition, entwining nature with Japan’s rich cultural tapestry. The bush clover itself holds symbolic meaning in Japanese folklore—it represents unrequited love and humility, evoking a bittersweet beauty that resonates during Japan’s autumn season. For many couples and families visiting the garden, the floral tunnel offers not just a natural attraction but a romantic, almost surreal experience that makes autumn in Tokyo unforgettable.
Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden stays open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., inviting visitors to witness this natural splendor while enjoying peaceful pathways and a variety of seasonal plants. Admission is modest, making it an accessible retreat for those seeking a moment of calm in Tokyo’s bustling urban environment.
The blooming of bush clover is part of a larger seasonal celebration throughout Tokyo, where parks and gardens open their doors to visitors eager to savor autumn’s characteristic flowers. The Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden is steeped in history and beauty, making it a top highlight of autumn flower viewing spots, alongside other iconic places like the Hamarikyu Gardens and Yokoamicho Park.
As the city’s residents and visitors gather to marvel at the delicate flowers, the Mukojima Hyakkaen garden provides a reminder to embrace the fleeting nature of seasonal beauty and to find tranquility in nature’s ever-changing rhythms. The bush clover bloom encapsulates a heartfelt message: even amid the fast pace of city life, moments of reflection and simple enjoyment remain within reach, framed beautifully by the colors and scents of Japan’s beloved autumn.
For anyone in Tokyo this October, a visit to the Mukojima Hyakkaen Garden to see the bush clover in full bloom is more than a walk in a park—it is a poetic journey through time, culture, and the indelible charm of nature.
Photo Credit: koshijiwase, flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
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