Tonogayato Gardens: A Hidden Hillside Retreat in Kokubunji
Tonogayato Gardens blends Meiji-era elegance with natural beauty, offering visitors seasonal charm and peaceful tranquility throughout the year. Located just a short train ride from central Tokyo, this tranquil garden is nestled in the suburb of Kokubunji.
The garden artfully utilizes the natural contours of the Musashino Plateau, creating a multi-level landscape of lawns, woods, and water features. In autumn, it bursts into vibrant colors, earning recognition as an official Place of Scenic Beauty.
Despite its stunning views and easy access—only a two-minute walk from Kokubunji Station—Tonogayato remains relatively undiscovered, allowing visitors to enjoy its paths and scenery in quiet solitude.
Historical Background
Tonogayato Gardens originated in the early 20th century, developed between 1913 and 1915 as part of a private villa for railway executive Eguchi Teijo. In 1929, the estate was bought by Koyata Iwasaki, a Mitsubishi family member, who expanded it into a circular strolling garden.
By 1934, features such as the Koyo-tei tea house were added, enhancing the garden's charm. The Iwasaki family used the property as a lush retreat away from the city bustle.
Preservation Challenges
By the 1970s, this historic garden faced threats from urban redevelopment, endangering its continued existence as a green sanctuary.
"Tonogayato Gardens offers 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 is a serene, historically rich hillside haven near Tokyo, combining natural beauty with refined garden design, yet it remains a peaceful secret treasured by few.