Happo-en

Overview

Happo-en is a restaurant and wedding venue in Shirokane-dai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, boasting a 12,000-tsubo (approximately 40,000 square meter) garden. It's located near Meiji Gakuin University and the Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo. The garden's name, "Happo-en," translates to "beautiful in every direction." Happo-en's history stretches back to the Edo period, where it was the site of the residence of Okubo Tadayoshi, a hereditary Edo shogunate hatamoto (a lower-ranking samurai). Subsequently, it became the holding of the Satsuma clan, then a lower residence of the Shimazu family (Matsudaira Satsuma-no-kami), before passing into the hands of Kisaku Shibusawa in the Meiji period. In 1915 (Taishō 4), it was developed into its current form as the residence of Fusanosuke Kuahara, a businessman. After the war, Hajime Hasegawa, who had managed restaurants and ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants) in Ginza and Tsukiji, launched a joint venture of a full-fledged ryotei utilizing the Japanese garden, targeting overseas travelers. Happo-en was established in 1950 (Shōwa 25). Today, it's operated by Happo-en Co., Ltd., and widely used for weddings, parties, and other events. Happo-en's garden is a verdant oasis in the city, offering a sense of peace and wonder with its seasonal blooms. A teahouse built by Heihachi Tanaka, a silk trader from Yokohama, has been relocated to the garden, adding a historical touch. The venue is also a popular wedding location, providing a stunning backdrop for special occasions. Happo-en offers a tranquil escape from the urban bustle.