Hidden Wonders: Tonogayato Gardens – Hillside Beauty in Kokubunji
Tonogayato Gardens is a tranquil hillside sanctuary that gracefully combines Meiji-era architecture with the serene beauty of nature. Just minutes from central Tokyo, this hidden oasis rests quietly in the suburb of Kokubunji, drawing visitors with its seasonal colors and timeless calm.
A Haven of Nature
The garden makes skillful use of the natural contours of the Musashino Plateau, forming a tiered landscape of lawns, woodlands, and ponds. Autumn brings an explosion of brilliant hues that has earned the site recognition as an official Place of Scenic Beauty.
Despite its convenient location, only a short stroll from Kokubunji Station, Tonogayato Gardens remains relatively undiscovered, offering a quiet and personal escape.
History and Legacy
Tonogayato’s origins date back to the early 1900s, between 1913 and 1915, when it was designed as the private villa garden of Eguchi Teijo, a railway executive. In 1929, the estate passed to Koyata Iwasaki, from the Mitsubishi founding family, who expanded it into a circular strolling garden and introduced new design elements such as the Koyo-tei tea house, completed in 1934.
For decades, the Iwasaki family cherished the garden as a peaceful countryside refuge, a connection to nature amid the growing metropolis. By the 1970s, however, this historic retreat faced urban development pressures that threatened its future.
Author’s Summary
Tonogayato Gardens in Kokubunji blends history, artistry, and nature into a rare sanctuary, preserving Tokyo’s quiet past amid the bustling present.