Ochin’yama is a small, man-made hill created in the Edo period as a vantage point within the Tokugawa shōguns’ coastal villa. A light pavilion once stood at its summit, offering views of the tides of Tokyo Bay, waterfowl and the falconry displays held on the surrounding fields. From the top, the garden reveals itself in a single layered panorama: the Edo-period composition of pines, gravel paths and the tidal pond below; the quiet interior of the garden that seems to hold sound at a distance; and, beyond the treeline, the modern towers of Shiodome forming the garden’s contemporary borrowed scenery. Modest in height but rich in perspective, Ochin’yama remains one of the most atmospheric points in Hamarikyū, a place where the historical landscape and present-day Tokyo meet along the same line of sight.

+1

It is a nice little park. Not busy. If not for the noise of the traffic nearby you would forget you are in Tokyo.

+2

Very nice park!

御亭山 (Ochinyama) is at the northeast corner of the Shioiri Pond. It's only about 3m high, but if you climb to the top you can look out in all directions across the garden, and you can even see Tokyo Tower between the high-rise buildings. It probably offers the best view in the garden.

+3

This artificial hill in the center of Hamarikyu Gardens, though only slightly elevated, is a spot with a good view overlooking the whole garden. In the days before skyscrapers, it's said you could see as far as Mt. Fuji, Mt. Tsukuba, Edo Castle, and the white sails on Edo Bay, letting you imagine the grand panorama of that time. Even today, the view of the Shioiri Pond and the Nakajima teahouse, with Tokyo Tower and modern buildings in the background, is impressive. Precisely because the garden is flat, this small difference in height brings a big change to the scenery. This small hill at the center of Hamarikyu Gardens offers one of the best panoramic views in the garden. Despite its modest height, it allows visitors to overlook the tidal pond and surrounding scenery. In the past, when no skyscrapers existed, it was said that Mt. Fuji, Mt. Tsukuba, Edo Castle, and even sails on Edo Bay could be seen from here. Today, the contrast between the traditional teahouse on the pond and modern landmarks like Tokyo Tower creates a unique and memorable view. A subtle elevation that makes a big difference in an otherwise flat seaside garden.