Gardens in Tokyo

Rikugien Gardens, located in Komagome, Tokyo, are designated as national cultural properties due to the special scenic spot. This mountain and pond-style stroll garden were created by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, the trusted confidant of the fifth shogun, Tsunayoshi Tokugawa. Construction started in 1695 and it took seven years to complete the garden. One of the characteristics is the literary renditions from famous scenes from waka (Japanese poetry) and the Chinese classics, such as small mountains and a wide pond. Visitors can enjoy the illuminated weeping cherries, reminiscent of flowing waterfalls in spring.

Tonogayato Gardens is located just two minutes' walk from Kokubunji Station on the JR Chuo Line. Visitors can see the nature of the Musashino region, which is inconceivable for a garden in front of a station. Enjoy watching the Jiro Benten Pond, which contains spring water flowing the natural topography of Musashinodaichi Highland, and the wild grass of Musashino all year round. The must-see view features approximately 200 Japanese maples. They turn red in unison from mid-November to early December. The best view to enjoy the foliage in the garden is the arbor in front of Kouyou-tei, the tea ceremony building. The scene of red maples, yellow Japanese silver leaf and about 100 green Japanese red pines are unique to this garden.