Panduan
Hotel New Otani Japanese Garden is a vast stroll-style Japanese garden covering approximately 10,000 tsubo (about 33,000 square meters) located in Chiyoda, Tokyo. Surrounded by the outer moat of Edo Castle, this site is steeped in the history of legendary figures such as Kato Kiyomasa and the Ii family. The garden is designed with walking paths encircling a central pond, showcasing a diverse range of seasonal plants and trees. At night, the garden transforms through spectacular light-up displays, offering a breathtaking experience that maintains traditional Japanese aesthetics in the center of the metropolis.
The history of this land dates back over {400} years. During the early Edo period, it served as the residence of the famous warrior Kato Kiyomasa. Following the changes in the Kato family's status, the land was passed to the Ii family, who occupied the site until the end of the Edo period. The name 'Kioicho' itself is a combination of the first characters from the names of the families who resided here: the Ki-I Tokugawa, the Owari Tokugawa, and the Ii family. After World War II, the site—formerly the Fushimi-no-miya residence—was acquired by Yotaro Otani, the founder of Hotel New Otani, and renovated into the current Japanese garden. The hotel was constructed in conjunction with the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, and the garden continues to be a cherished landmark today.
The garden features many distinctive stone arrangements and structures. A major highlight is the 'Otaki' (Great Waterfall), a massive structure composed of stones weighing several tons and standing 6 meters high. Another significant element is the 'Akadamaishi' (Red Jewel Stone), believed to have been transported from the gold mines of Sado Island. This stone is characterized by its striking reddish-brown color, with the largest pieces reaching up to 22 tons. The garden also features Karesansui (dry landscape) elements and various precious stones such as Sanba, Ryugan, and Budoma stones, creating a landscape that changes beautifully depending on the arrangement of the stones.
The garden offers a different face for every season. You can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn leaves in fall, and snow-covered landscapes in winter. The nighttime illuminations are particularly special, designed by professional lighting designers with specific seasonal themes. For example, the 'Snow Version' features white and wisteria colors (Jan–Feb), the 'Sakura Version' features pink hues (late Feb–Apr), and the 'Autumn Version' utilizes orange and red tones (Sep–Nov). The illuminations typically begin about 30 minutes after sunset and continue until 26:00.
Visitors can enjoy the garden from various perspectives, including guest rooms overlooking the greenery or adjacent high-end restaurants. Teppanyaki restaurants such as Sekshintai, Seisen-tei, and Momiji-tei allow you to dine with the stunning garden as your backdrop. For a truly immersive experience, the 'Executive Garden Suite Yuso-an' offers accommodation that integrates seamlessly with the garden's landscape. These facilities are designed to provide a space where the architecture and nature become one.
The garden is located in Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, a prestigious area near historical landmarks, the Imperial Palace, and the bustling commercial districts of Akasaka and Kojimachi. Being in the heart of Tokyo, it is easily accessible from various major sightseeing spots throughout the city.
While the garden features well-maintained walking paths, it is a natural environment, so comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. For payments at hotel facilities or nearby affiliated venues, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) are widely accepted. While there is no entrance fee to stroll through the garden itself, we recommend making reservations in advance if you plan to dine at the restaurants. Photography is permitted, but please observe proper etiquette to respect the serene atmosphere and the natural environment.