Overview
Tokyo's National Places of Scenic Beauty are dominated by traditionally designed landscape and strolling gardens. Located within central Tokyo and to its west, these gardens are exquisite examples of Japanese garden design and beauty. Here is a simple guide to where National Places of Scenic Beauty in Tokyo can be found.
Koganei Park
Spreading out over four cities within Tokyo, the sakura cherry blossom trees of Koganei Park were nationally recognised as a Place of Scenic Beauty in 1924. A row of over 1,000 cherry blossom trees, including several sub-species, can be found here. The trees, originally planted in the 18th century, are one of the highlights of the area come spring.
Location: 1-13-1 Sekino-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo 〒184-0001, Japan (nearest station: Musashi-Koganei Station, JR Yamanote Line)
Tonogayato Teien
Upgraded to a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 2011, Tonogayato Teien Garden was created in the early 20th century. Centring around its pond, the garden features seasonal flora, a bamboo grove and a traditional tea house. Once a private villa, Tonogayato was opened to the public in 1979.
Location: 2-16 Minami-cho, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo 〒185-0021 (nearest station: Kokubunji Station, JR Chuo Line)
Kyu Furukawa-shi Teien
Upgraded to National Place of Scenic Beauty status in 2006, Kyu Furukawa-shi Teien Garden is beautiful fusion of Japanese and Western landscape design. Once the property of a prominent Meiji-period politician, the garden includes ponds, waterfalls and even multi-storied pagodas and a snow viewing lantern.
Location: 1-27-39 Nishigahara, Kita-ku, Tokyo 〒114-0024 (nearest station: Nishigahara Station, Namboku Line)
Denbo-in Teien
Awarded National Place of Scenic Beauty status in 2011, Denbo-in Teien Garden is hidden by Asakusa's famous Senso-ji Temple. Open for a short period of time each year, the gardens are actually the private domain of the temple abbot. One of the few Edo-period gardens, its surviving design offers a calm buffer against the hustle and bustle of modern Asakusa.
Location: 2-3 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 〒111-0032 (nearest station: Asakusa Station, Ginza Line)
Kyu Asakura Fumio-shi Teien
Given National Place of Scenic Beauty status in 2008, Kyu Asakura Fumio-shi Teien Garden was the private garden of renowned sculptor, Asakura Fumio. Located on the grounds of the Asakura Museum of Sculpture, the garden is water-focused and makes exquisite use of rocks and stones in its design.
Location: 7-18-10 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo 〒110-0001 (nearest station: Nippori Station, JR Yamanote Line)
Kyu Shiba-rikyu Teien
Kyu Shiba-rikyu Teien Garden was awarded National Place of Scenic Beauty status in 1979. Owned by various feudal lords, including once as a Tokugawa shogun gift, Kyu Shiba-rikyu Teien was opened to the public in 1924. A beautiful pond-strolling garden, it features three small islands and a stone hill.
Location: 1-4 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 〒105-0022 (nearest station: Hamamatsucho Station, JR Yamanote Line)
