Hama-rikyu Gardens: A dreamy park surrounded by rivers, moats, and tidal ponds

True, impressive gardens are one of Tokyo's home-run attractions, but the Hama-rikyu Gardens -- a park that sits on the banks of the Sumida River near the Shiodome district -- is like stepping into a fictitious water-logged fairyland.

Originally created in 1654 by a feudal lord who built a family home on a wild duck hunting area, the park features two rivers, a moat, three duck ponds, and a large tidal pond -- the only one of its kind in Tokyo. And that's not all. Smack-dab in the middle of the pond is an island with a traditional Japanese teahouse perched on top.

Walking to the park is easy from either Shiodome or Tsukishijo stations, but if you've got a few extra bucks and want to see the gardends in style, flag down the Waterbus, which stops inside the grounds near the landing spot once used by the Shoguns. Boats for Hama-rikyu Gardens can be boarded at Ryogoku, Asakusa or Hinode Pier.