Guide
The Hotel New Otani Japanese Garden is a vast, stroll-style (Chisen-kaiyu-shiki) Japanese garden spanning approximately 10,000 tsubo (about 33,000 square meters) in Chiyoda, Tokyo. Located near the outer moat of Edo Castle, the site is steeped in the history of legendary figures such as Kato Kiyomasa and the Ii family. The garden is designed around a central pond with winding paths, offering a peaceful retreat where visitors can enjoy seasonal flora and spectacular nighttime illuminations. It is a rare place where traditional Japanese landscapes are meticulously preserved amidst the modern metropolis.
The history of this land stretches back over 400 years. During the early Edo period, it served as the residence of the famous warrior Kato Kiyomasa. Following the transition of the land to the Ii family, it remained a significant estate until the end of the Edo period. The name 'Kioicho' itself is a combination of the first characters from the names of the prominent families who resided here: the Kii-Tokugawa, Owari-Tokugawa, and Ii families. After World War II, the site—formerly the Fushimi-no-miya residence—was acquired by Yemitaro Otani, the founder of Hotel New Otani, who transformed it into the magnificent garden seen today. The hotel was eventually constructed in 1964 to coincide with the Tokyo Olympics.
The garden features an impressive collection of stones and sculptural elements. A standout feature is the 'Otaki' (Great Waterfall), a massive structure composed of several tons of stone. Another significant element is the 'Akadama Stone,' which is said to have been transported from the gold mines of Sado Island. This reddish-brown stone includes one of the largest specimens weighing up to 22 tons. Visitors can also admire various Zen-style landscapes (Karesansui) and a diverse collection of famous stones, including Sanba, Ryugan, and Budo-dama stones, which create ever-changing vistas depending on the viewing angle.
The garden's appearance changes dramatically with the seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and serene snowscapes in winter. The nighttime illuminations are particularly famous, featuring themes designed by professional lighting designers. For example, the 'Snow Version' (January–February) uses white and wisteria tones, the 'Cherry Blossom Version' (late February–April) uses pink hues, and the 'Autumn Version' (September–November) features warm orange and red tones. Light displays typically begin about 30 minutes before sunset and continue until 26:00 (2:00 AM).
Guests can enjoy the garden from various vantage points, including hotel guest rooms and adjacent restaurants. Teppanyaki restaurants such as Sekishintei, Seisentei, and Momijitei offer dining experiences with the garden as a stunning backdrop. For a truly immersive stay, the 'Executive Garden Suite Musoin' provides luxury accommodations that feel integrated with the natural landscape.
The garden is located in Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, a prestigious area surrounded by historical landmarks, the Imperial Palace, and the bustling commercial districts of Akasaka and Kojimachi. Its central location makes it easily accessible from various parts of Tokyo.
While the garden features well-maintained walking paths, comfortable walking shoes are recommended as it is a natural environment. For dining at the onsite restaurants, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) are widely accepted. While walking through the garden is free, making a reservation is highly recommended for the restaurants. Photography is permitted, but please be mindful of etiquette and respect the peaceful environment.