A Tokyo Garden Tour: Korakuen and Tonogayato-Teien
In April, I guided three German tourists on a Tokyo garden tour to explore two of the city’s most fascinating gardens. Sharing the history of Japanese garden styles and design elements was so much fun!
I love to talk about Japan, especially when people are curious and ask questions. That’s when I know they are really listening, thinking, and eager to learn more. My personal goal is always to spark an interest in Japanese gardens, culture, and traditions.
Guiding Visitors in Tokyo
This wasn’t my first time giving a tour in Tokyo. Before, I guided visitors through the Akasaka area, Tokyo Station, and Shinjuku. Both times I was asked not only about history but also about daily life in Japan, especially what it’s like to live in Tokyo as a foreigner.
Interestingly, just last weekend I talked about this very topic again with five gardening interns from Germany. They stayed in Tokyo before traveling across Japan to study Japanese gardening and agriculture.
Why Only Two Gardens?
During my test tours, I realized that visiting more than three gardens can be too exhausting for some people. While many enjoy the calm greenery, not everyone is deeply passionate about Japanese garden design. So, I decided to focus on two gardens: Koishikawa Korakuen and Tonogayato-Teien.
Exploring Koishikawa Korakuen
We first headed to Koishikawa Korakuen, one of the finest examples of Edo-period garden design. Although it’s not my personal favorite, I often bring visitors here because it offers such a rich glimpse into Japanese garden history. Two original Edo-period structures still remain, making it very special.
Thanks to my recent research, I could explain in detail why the garden looks the way it does and the ideas behind its layout. Sometimes questions about rock groupings or islands are tricky, but I always do my best to explain them clearly. Helpful information signs also let visitors read at their own pace, while I could point out the meaning of certain Kanji in garden names.
Koishikawa Korakuen is also one of the most visited gardens in Tokyo, but I try to give insights that go beyond what you can easily find online. The internet can be unreliable; I even found one major site mislabeling parts of the garden. Always double-check your sources!
Stopping at Kagurazaka and a Local Café
Between the two gardens, we enjoyed a cozy café near the remains of Edo Castle’s moat. Then we strolled through Kagurazaka, a historic geisha district. Geisha still work here, though spotting one in Tokyo is quite rare.
Discovering Tonogayato-Teien
From there, we took the train to Tonogayato-Teien, a hidden gem from the Taisho and Showa periods. Unlike Korakuen, this garden is almost unknown among tourists, and English information is limited. I was delighted to find one website that highlighted a common mistake—even official pamphlets repeat it!
At Tonogayato-Teien, we slowed down. We sat in the Kouyou-tei, gazing at the pond, while children played nearby. It felt truly peaceful. When the garden closing announcement came, we were sad to leave, but happy we had time to enjoy the atmosphere.
Edo vs. Taisho Gardens
Visiting these two gardens back-to-back is like stepping through time. Korakuen represents the Edo period, while Tonogayato-Teien shows how Japanese gardens developed in the Taisho and Showa eras. Both share the same foundation, but the differences reveal a fascinating evolution of garden design.
Ending the Day
We ended our Tokyo garden tour with dinner at a Yakiniku restaurant. Everyone told me they enjoyed the day, and I truly hope so. For me, guiding people through Japanese gardens is like writing a live guidebook and receiving instant feedback—it’s pure joy!
If you are interested in booking a garden tour with me, visit our website.
With twelve years of professional landscaping experience under her belt, Anika Ogusu is your perfect guide to the world of Japanese gardens. Her love of nature began early, in the woods near her childhood home and the garden of her grandmother’s house. During her teenage years she developed a strong interest in Japanese culture, and after university she decided to combine her love of Japan and gardens into a profession. Anika started her career as chief gardener in charge of the perennial valley at the Botanical Garden in Hamburg, Germany, then moved to Tokyo in pursuit of her dream. For two years she apprenticed under local landscape designers and learned the art of Japanese garden design, construction and maintenance. Now, in partnership with Real Japanese Gardens (www.japanesegardens.jp), her wish is to spread the magic of Japanese gardens to the rest of the world. Her in-depth guide books on gardens throughout Japan are available in eBook format or paperback. In her free time, Anika enjoys exploring her adopted country (especially green moss gardens), and soaking up nature and any details that interest her.
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With twelve years of professional landscaping experience under her belt, Anika Ogusu is your perfect guide to the world of Japanese gardens. Her love of nature began early, in the woods near her childhood home and the garden of her grandmother’s house. During her teenage years she developed a strong interest in Japanese culture, and after university she decided to combine her love of Japan and gardens into a profession. Anika started her career as chief gardener in charge of the perennial valley at the Botanical Garden in Hamburg, Germany, then moved to Tokyo in pursuit of her dream. For two years she apprenticed under local landscape designers and learned the art of Japanese garden design, construction and maintenance. Now, in partnership with Real Japanese Gardens (www.japanesegardens.jp), her wish is to spread the magic of Japanese gardens to the rest of the world. Her in-depth guide books on gardens throughout Japan are available in eBook format or paperback. In her free time, Anika enjoys exploring her adopted country (especially green moss gardens), and soaking up nature and any details that interest her.
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