Apr 5

Apr 5 Kyu-Furukawa Gardens in Nishigahara, Kita-City, Tokyo

Japan, Kanto region, Tokyo Metropolis, Kita City, Nishigahara

📍 Kyu-Furukawa Gardens, 1 Chome-27-39 Nishigahara, Kita City, Tokyo 114-0024

Tucked away in the quiet neighborhood of Kita-ku, this stunning garden is a hidden oasis of beauty and tranquility. One of the most unique features of Kyu-Furukawa Gardens is its blend of Western and Japanese styles.

The estate features a western-style house and a traditional Japanese-style house, both of which are beautifully preserved and open to the public for viewing. But the real highlight of the estate is its expansive garden, which is designed in a unique blend of Western and Japanese styles.

As soon as you enter the garden, you'll be struck by the peacefulness of the surroundings. The garden is meticulously manicured and features a wide variety of plants and trees, including cherry blossoms, azaleas, and wisterias, which burst into bloom in the spring. There are also several ponds and waterfalls throughout the garden, which add to the serene atmosphere.

This garden was originally the residence of Munemitsu Mutsu, who was a military leader in the Meiji era (The Meiji Era: 1868 - 1912), but after his second son was adopted by the Furukawa family, it became the property of the Furukawa's, hence the name of the garden. The building from that time no longer exists.

The current garden surrounds an imposing Western-style mansion built of grey stone in 1917 by the English architect Josiah Conder.

After the war, the ownership was transferred to the National Government, but in response to local requests, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government borrowed it free of charge from the National Government and opened it to the public in 1956.

Another highlight of the garden is the Rose Garden, which features over 300 varieties of roses. It's a popular spot for visitors to take photos and enjoy the fragrant blooms. And if you visit in the autumn, you can witness the beautiful foliage of the Japanese maples, which turn vibrant shades of red and orange. The Western-style garden is planted with roses like a French terrace garden, and is in full bloom in Spring and Autumn and creates the atmosphere of a foreign country.