Hidden Wonders: Tonogayato Gardens
Hillside Beauty in the Heart of Kokubunji
A serene hillside retreat, Tonogayato Gardens blends Meiji-era elegance with lush natural surroundings, offering visitors peace and seasonal charm throughout the year.
Located just a short train ride from central Tokyo, this hidden green escape rests in the suburb of Kokubunji. The gardens creatively use the Musashino Plateau’s terrain to create a layered sanctuary of lawns, woods, and ponds.
Seasonal Splendor and Tranquility
In autumn, the entire landscape bursts into vibrant colors, a spectacle that earned Tonogayato its status as an official Place of Scenic Beauty. Despite its proximity to Kokubunji Station—just two minutes away—it often remains a quiet refuge where visitors can stroll along winding paths and enjoy its scenic views in solitude.
History and Design
The garden’s origins go back to the early 20th century, when it was designed between 1913 and 1915 as part of a private villa for Eguchi Teijo, a railway executive. In 1929, Koyata Iwasaki, a member of the Mitsubishi founding family, purchased the estate and transformed it into a refined strolling garden.
Koyata Iwasaki expanded the grounds, adding new elements such as the Koyo-tei tea house by 1934.
For decades, the Iwasaki family used Tonogayato as a peaceful retreat from urban life. By the 1970s, however, the historic property faced the risk of redevelopment, putting its legacy in jeopardy.
Summary
Tucked between tradition and nature, Tonogayato Gardens reveals Tokyo’s quieter side—where design, history, and landscape harmony remain beautifully preserved.