Takao Komagino Teien is an old traditional Japanese house and garden on the outer edge of Tokyo. It is completely free to visit, and is definitely worth your time.
You can wander freely around inside appreciating details of traditional Japanese architecture like ranma (ornate carved screens above sliding doors which allow light and air flow between rooms), fusuma and shoji (sliding doors), tokonoma (display alcove for scroll and flower arrangement) and tatami. (rice straw flooring). You can also enjoy views of the garden. There is a cafe so you can buy a drink, and probably snacks. I didn't indulge when we visited, so I can't tell you what they sell.
You can also wander around the garden, and you definitely should. It is not so big, but there are lots of very fine bonsai specimens. The karesansui (dry garden) is very attractive, and there are beautifully colored koi in the pond. I could watch koi for hours!
Getting there
Komagino Garden is only about 20 minutes walk from Takao station, If you drive, there is a parking lot which can hold 8 cars.
Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood
I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...
