Guide
Nogayato Garden, located in Kokubunji City, Tokyo, is a National Place of Scenic Beauty. The garden is a masterfully designed stroll-style garden that utilizes the natural topography of the Kokubunji Cliffline, seamlessly combining natural spring water with lush, diverse vegetation. Originally built as a villa during the Taisho era and later owned by the Iwasaki family of the Mitsubishi Zaibatsu, the garden possesses a sophisticated atmosphere that blends Japanese and Western architectural styles. A central feature is the "Jiro Benten Pond," which is continuously fed by natural springs selected as one of Tokyo's 57 famous spring water sources. This design allows visitors to experience a remarkably peaceful and quiet environment despite being located within the Tokyo metropolitan area.
The history of this garden dates back to 1913, when it was established as a villa. The area was originally known as "Nogayato." In 1929, the site came under the ownership of the Iwasaki family of the Mitsubishi Zaibatsu, leading to its development into a garden featuring a blend of Japanese and Western aesthetics. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government later purchased the site, and it is now open to the public as a metropolitan park. The region itself has deep historical roots, with archaeological finds from the Jomon and Kofun periods nearby, reflecting a long history of human coexistence with the natural landscape of the Musashino Plateau.
There are many captivating spots to explore within the garden. The "Jiro Benten Pond" is a primary attraction, where the sight of water flowing from the base of the cliff into the pond evokes a sense of natural vitality. Another unique feature is the "Bamboo Path," where visitors can enjoy the serene scenery of towering Moso bamboo. For a more traditional experience, the "Koyotei" tea house—a Sukiya-style structure—offers breathtaking views of the garden that change with every season. Other delicate-scale features include the "Shishi-odoshi" (deer scarer) that utilizes well water and the historic "Bato Kanmon" gate, both of which add to the garden's sense of history and craftsmanship.
The garden's character shifts beautifully throughout the year. In spring, visitors can enjoy the elegance of wisteria from the wisteria trellises, while early summer brings a vibrant, lush green landscape. Autumn is particularly spectacular, with the "Autumn Foliage Viewing Event" held around late November. The scenery around the Koyotei tea house is especially popular when the Japanese maples turn brilliant shades of red and orange. You can also find the "Bush Clover Tunnel," which creates a path of small purple flowers. While daytime offers beautiful reflections on the pond, the late afternoon brings a deepening silence, perfect for a contemplative stroll.
As a stroll-style garden, the experience is centered on walking around the perimeter of the pond to see how the scenery shifts with every step. Walking through the natural landscape and visiting the Koyotei tea house offers a profound way to connect with traditional Japanese aesthetics. On certain Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, free garden guided tours may be available, providing professional insights into the garden's mechanics and history. This is a wonderful way to learn about the landscaping techniques used to harness natural springs and terrain.
Nogayato Garden is exceptionally accessible, located just a 2-minute walk from Kokubunji Station (JR Chuo Line and Seibu Kokubunji Line). The area surrounding the station is a pleasant residential neighborhood that retains a sense of historical charm. After your stroll, you can explore the local streets and enjoy the various cafes and restaurants in the Kokubji area, which harmoniously blends natural beauty with urban convenience.