Tonogayato Teien（殿ヶ谷戸庭園）
An early 20th-century garden retreat just outside Tokyo
Tonogayato Teien is a Japanese landscape garden located near Tokyo, built between 1914 and 1916 during the Taisho period. Originally, the garden served as the private residence of the vice president of the Manchurian Railway Company.
Later, in 1929, a member of the influential Iwasaki family acquired the property. Over time, the garden evolved into a public space. Today, it is quietly appreciated by young and middle-aged locals. In fact, you may find yourself the only foreign visitor, even on a weekend.
The garden offers a mix of Japanese and European design elements, blending wide lawns with sloping paths, stone lanterns, and a forested ravine. Although the garden lies just 20 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station, it feels far removed from the daily noise of metropolitan Tokyo.
Moreover, the garden includes a traditional teahouse, available for rent. This makes it a peaceful venue for tea ceremonies and cultural gatherings throughout the year.
Whether you come in spring for new greenery or in autumn for crisp air and changing leaves, Tonogayato Teien remains a hidden gem—calm, elegant, and easy to reach.
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Tonogayato Teien Garden Guide
Tonogayato Teien is a hidden landscape garden only a short train ride from central Tokyo. Built in the Taisho period, it mixes Japanese and European features, offering wide lawns, woodland, and a serene teahouse. With few tourists, it remains a quiet destination for locals seeking seasonal beauty and a break from city life.
Learn more before your visit—or revisit from home.
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Directions
How to get to the garden
From Shinjuku, take the Chuo line towards Kawaguchiko and get off at the fifth stop, Kokubunji (国分寺)。From there, it is only a short walk to the gardens.
Address
- EN: Tokyo-to, Kokubunji-shi, Minami-cho, 2 chome
- JP: 東京都国分寺市南町二丁目
Opening times
- 9:00 – 17:00 (last entry at 4:30pm)
Closed around New Year between December 29th and January 3st.
Admission fee
- Adults: 150 yen
- Free for Elementary School Students and younger
- Free for Junior High School Students who live in Tokyo
Facilities & Accessibility
- The garden is not completely barrier free. Check the pamphlet for more information. (Dotted route is accessible.)
- Multipurpose toilet available in the public park next to the garden.
Best time to visit
- End of November - Beginning of December for autumn foliage.
- September for Lespedeza tunnel.
- Small bamboo forest.
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