Tonogayato Gardens: A Hillside Refuge in Kokubunji
Tonogayato Gardens is a serene hillside retreat blending Meiji-era elegance with natural beauty, offering visitors seasonal charm and tranquility throughout the year. Located just a short train ride from central Tokyo, it is a hidden green sanctuary in the Kokubunji suburb.
Natural Topography and Scenic Beauty
The garden skillfully utilizes the Musashino Plateau's natural terrain to create a multi-level space of lawns, woods, and water features. In autumn, the area bursts into vibrant colors, earning it the official status of a Place of Scenic Beauty.
Despite its appealing location—only a two-minute walk from Kokubunji Station—Tonogayato remains relatively undiscovered, often allowing visitors to enjoy its paths and views without crowds.
Historical Background
Tonogayato Gardens was originally designed between 1913 and 1915 as part of a private villa for Eguchi Teijo, a railway executive. In 1929, Koyata Iwasaki of the Mitsubishi founding family acquired the property and enhanced it into a circular strolling garden.
- By 1934, the garden featured the Koyo-tei tea house, a refined addition by the Iwasaki family.
- The estate served as a green urban refuge for the Iwasaki family.
However, by the 1970s, the estate faced the threat of being replaced by urban redevelopment.
"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 mix of historical elegance and natural tranquility, making it a peaceful escape near Tokyo often overlooked by visitors.