Mejiro Garden

Mejiro Garden is a traditional Japanese stroll garden located in Tokyo's Toshima Ward, originally created as part of the estate of the Tokugawa clan during the Edo period. The garden was designed in the kaiyushiki style, meaning visitors experience changing scenery as they walk along designated paths around a central pond. After falling into disrepair following World War II, the garden was restored and opened to the public in 1990 by Toshima Ward, preserving an important example of historical landscape architecture in modern Tokyo.

The garden spans approximately 6,100 square meters and centers around a large pond fed by natural spring water, which has sustained the landscape for centuries. Traditional elements include stone lanterns, a waterfall, carefully positioned rocks, and a variety of trees and plants that create seasonal displays throughout the year. Cherry blossoms appear in spring, azaleas bloom in early summer, and autumn brings vibrant foliage, making the garden particularly photogenic during these periods. The design reflects classical principles of borrowed scenery, incorporating distant views into the garden's aesthetic composition.

Visitors follow stone pathways that wind around the pond, crossing small bridges and passing through carefully maintained vegetation. The garden includes a traditional tea house called Akatsukian, where tea ceremony experiences are occasionally available by reservation. Several viewing pavilions positioned at strategic points allow visitors to appreciate different perspectives of the landscape. The relatively compact size makes it possible to see the entire garden in 30 to 45 minutes, though photographers and garden enthusiasts often spend longer capturing details or simply enjoying the tranquil atmosphere away from Tokyo's urban intensity.

Mejiro Garden is accessible via Mejiro Station on the JR Yamanote Line, requiring approximately a 5-minute walk from the station exit. The garden is also within walking distance of Zoshigaya Station on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line. Admission costs 300 yen for adults, with discounted rates for seniors and children. Being significantly less crowded than famous gardens like Rikugien or Koishikawa Korakuen, Mejiro Garden offers a peaceful alternative for travelers seeking an authentic Japanese garden experience without overwhelming tourist presence.