Hibiya Park, established in 1903, holds the distinction of being Japan’s first Western-style city park. Originally a samurai residence site and later a military parade ground during the Edo period, the modern park was conceived as a symbol of Tokyo’s cultural modernization during the Meiji era. Designed by landscape architect Seiroku Honda, Hibiya Park remains a verdant oasis in the heart of Tokyo, nestled between the prominent districts of Yurakucho, Marunouchi, and Ginza, and bordered by vast green spaces like the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens.

Today, Hibiya Park is celebrated for its seasonally changing flower beds, historic monuments, and peaceful atmosphere that offers an escape from the city’s busy urban life. Popular among locals and travelers alike, the park frequently hosts large festivals and events, including summer bon-odori dance festivals and international cultural celebrations such as Oktoberfest and Christmas markets. Highlights within the park include the centuries-old Matsumotoro restaurant, the Tsuru Fountain, Shinji Pond, music halls, and various green spaces ideal for picnics and relaxation.

Adjacent to Hibiya Park is the impressive Tokyo Midtown Hibiya, a high-rise complex opened in 2018. The complex hosts the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, TOHO Cinemas Hibiya, a rooftop Park View Garden with sweeping skyline vistas, and a sophisticated array of restaurants and shopping venues. Tokyo Midtown Hibiya’s architectural design pays homage to Hibiya’s classical ballroom culture through its ‘Dancing Tower’ concept, with unique curved and pleated forms reminiscent of formal dancing attire, and lower levels inspired by the former Sanshin Building’s stonework. This area is not only a tourist destination but also a key international business hub within Tokyo, perfectly blending modernity with the neighborhood’s historical elegance.

For visitors to Tokyo, a stroll through tranquil Hibiya Park and its stylish surroundings offers a unique combination of history, modern architecture, and the city’s ongoing legacy as both a global business center and cultural crossroads.