Kyu Furukawa Garden is a perfect place to enjoy a beautiful european style garden and Japanese traditional style garden at same time in Tokyo! Here are history of Furukawa garden, how to access, tickets, etc.
Kyu-Furukawa Garden, Tokyo
There is a Western style mansion (building) and there are 2 types of garden, European and Japanese. It was designed by Josiah Conder who was British architect.
History of Furukawa Garden
This site was originally bought by Munemitsu Mutsu who was politician in Meiji period, and he used to live here. In 1905, The Furukawa got the ownership of this site (+ house which doesn’t exist anymore) because his (Mutsu‘s) son was adopted to The Furukawa. In 1914, The 3rd generation of Furukawa, Toranosuke bought more site around this, and started planning to live there as a main house.
When the Big earthquake happened in 1923, this building did not get any huge damage. However, people who evacuated from other areas tended to stay around the main gate. Toranosuke who was living here at the time decided to open the gate to the people, had doctors at main building to take care of injured people for a while. Also He made 86 of barrack style of temporary housing for people, 534 people stayed there.
During the war, it was taken by military, then it went under controlled by Allies (United Nations) after the war (1945) to 1952. The government got a control over this, and Tokyo and Kita ward requested to use it as a park. It was opened as metropolitan park in 1956, but the European building was not included at the time. The repair started1982 and finished in 1989.
European Mansion & Garden
This building (mansion) was built in 1917. It’s completely European style on the ground floor, however there are European space and Japanese one at upstairs which is very interesting.
They have a guide tour inside of the house which is the only chance to go check 1st & 2nd floor, it is scheduled 3 times per day. It takes an hour, and costs 800 yen.
Cafe
There is a cafe on ground floor. It’s a good opportunity to have a cup of tea with a beautiful rosy view in spring and autumn.
European Garden
It might not be interesting if you are from one of European countries, however it is like a garden in Alice in wonderland for me! It’s known for the great place to see roses in Tokyo, there are many kinds of roses and i like Princess Michiko which was named after Empress Michiko.
Before sunset, you can have a great view from nearby entrance with golden light.
Japanese Garden
The Japanese garden was completed in 1919, made by Jihei Ogawa who is famous gardener for Japanese style garden from Kyoto. It’s a strolling around pond type of garden which is called “Kaiyuu shiki (style) Teien(garden)”, so you can walk around and enjoy each items and plants. The placement and balance are just perfect..
All trees and plants are well maintenanced which is also beautiful. Seeing koi fishes and ducks swimming on the pond makes me have a peaceful mind, and enjoy the silence and the beauty of nature.
It’s very beautiful when the color changes in Autumn!
Tea House
In addition, there is a tea house between the waterfall and pond. You can have a cup of tea there if you like green tea. (in spring and autumn until 16:00)
Information for Furukawa Garden
Ticket
Entrance fee : Adult / 150 yen
How To Access
Station : Komagome (JR Yamanote or Metro Namboku line)
FYI, there is one more beautiful place around Komagome : Rikugien.
