Guida
The Hotel New Otani Japanese Garden is a vast stroll-style garden (chisen-kaiyu-shiki) spanning approximately 33,000 square meters (10,000 tsubo) located in Chiyoda, Tokyo. Surrounded by the outer moat of Edo Castle, this site preserves the history of the Kato and Ii families. The garden is designed with walking paths around a central pond, showcasing diverse seasonal plants and trees. At night, the garden is transformed by sophisticated light-up displays, offering a traditional Japanese landscape even in the middle of the bustling metropolis.
The history of this land dates back over (--) 400 years. During the early Edo period, it served as the residence of the legendary warrior Kato Kiyomasa. Later, the site was passed to the Ii family until the end of the Edo period. The name 'Kioicho' itself is a combination of the first characters of the Kii Tokugawa, Owari Tokugawa, and Ii families, who once held residences here. Following World War II, the site—formerly the Fushimi-no-miya estate—was acquired by Yotaro Otani, the founder of Hotel New Otani, and transformed into the current Japanese garden. The hotel was constructed in time for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, maintaining its historical elegance to this day.
The garden features many striking stone arrangements and structures. A notable highlight is the 'Otaki' (Great Waterfall), a 6-meter-high structure composed of several tons of stone. Another significant element is the 'Akadama-ishi' (Red Jade Stone), believed to have been transported from the Sado gold mines; its most massive specimen weighs an impressive 22 tons. The garden also features Karesansui (dry landscape) elements and various precious stones such as Sanba, Ryugan, and Budama stones, creating a dynamic landscape that changes with every perspective.
The garden offers a different face for every season: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and snowscapes in winter. The evening illuminations are particularly special, designed by professional lighting designers with seasonal themes. For example, the 'Snow Version' (white and wisteria colors) runs from January to February, the 'Sakura Version' (pink) from late February to April, and the 'Autumn Version' (orange and red) from September to November. The lights typically turn on about 30 minutes before sunset and continue until 02:00 AM.
Visitors can enjoy the garden through various luxury experiences. Several high-end Teppanyaki restaurants, such as Sekishintei, Seisen-tei, and Momiji-tei, offer dining with a direct view of the garden. Additionally, the hotel provides premium accommodations, including the 'Executive Garden Suite Yumoso,' which allows guests to live within the landscape. These facilities are designed to provide a seamless integration between the architecture and the natural beauty of the garden.
The garden is located in Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, an area rich in history and surrounded by the Imperial Palace, the Akasaka/Kojimachi commercial districts, and various historical landmarks. Its central Tokyo location makes it easily accessible from many major sightseeing spots.
While the garden has well-maintained walking paths, comfortable walking shoes are recommended as it is a natural environment. For dining at the hotel's facilities, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) are widely accepted. While there is no admission fee to stroll through the garden, making reservations for restaurants is highly recommended. Photography is permitted, but please remain respectful of the serene environment and other guests.