Tonogayato Gardens: Hillside Beauty in Kokubunji
Tonogayato Gardens is a serene hillside sanctuary blending Meiji-era elegance with natural charm, offering visitors seasonal beauty and tranquility throughout the year.
Location and Natural Features
Located just a short train ride from central Tokyo, this hidden green refuge sits in the suburb of Kokubunji. The garden artfully uses the natural layout of the Musashino Plateau to create a layered landscape of lawns, woods, and water elements.
In autumn, the gardens display a vibrant explosion of colors, which earned it the status of an official Place of Scenic Beauty.
Despite its stunning scenery and convenient location—only a two-minute walk from Kokubunji Station—Tonogayato remains relatively unknown, allowing visitors to enjoy its paths and vistas in peaceful solitude.
Historical Background
The garden’s history dates back to the early 20th century when it was designed (1913–1915) as part of a private villa for Eguchi Teijo, a railway executive.
In 1929, it was purchased by Koyata Iwasaki, a member of the Mitsubishi founding family, who expanded the garden into a circular stroll-style park. By 1934, he added features such as the Koyo-tei tea house.
The Iwasaki family used Tonogayato as a lush escape from urban life. However, by the 1970s, the estate faced potential urban 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 rare, peaceful glimpse of historic Japanese garden artistry and seasonal beauty just minutes from Tokyo’s bustling city center.
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