Hidden Wonders of Tonogayato Gardens
Hillside Beauty in Kokubunji
Tonogayato Gardens is a serene hillside oasis blending Meiji-era charm with natural splendor, offering seasonal beauty and peacefulness year-round. Located just a short train ride from central Tokyo, this green refuge rests in the suburb of Kokubunji.
Landscape and Seasonal Appeal
The garden artfully incorporates the Musashino Plateau’s natural terrain to create multiple levels featuring lawns, wooded areas, and water elements. In autumn, its vibrant colors bloom spectacularly, earning it the status of an official Place of Scenic Beauty.
Despite its exquisite charm and proximity (only a two-minute walk from Kokubunji Station), Tonogayato remains relatively undiscovered, allowing visitors to enjoy its tranquil paths and views with little crowd.
Historical Background
The garden’s origins date to the early 20th century, designed between 1913 and 1915 as part of a private villa for Eguchi Teijo, a railway executive. In 1929, Koyata Iwasaki, from the Mitsubishi founding family, bought the property and transformed it into a circular strolling garden.
Among the additions was the Koyo-tei tea house, completed by 1934. The Iwasaki family treasured the garden as a peaceful escape from Tokyo’s urban life. However, by the 1970s, the estate faced potential redevelopment threats.
"Visitors are rewarded with an immersion in Japanese garden artistry and a sense of history, all hidden in plain sight on Tokyo's western fringe."
Author's summary: Tonogayato Gardens offers a hidden, tranquil escape blending historic Japanese garden design with natural beauty, remaining largely untouched despite its closeness to Tokyo.