Okuma Garden

Okuma Garden is a 17th-century Japanese garden located in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward, originally created as part of the Okuma family estate during the early Edo period. The garden was later owned by Okuma Shigenobu, Japan's 8th and 17th Prime Minister and founder of Waseda University, who expanded and refined the landscape design between 1876 and 1922. Following his death, the property was donated to the public and now serves as a designated Tokyo Metropolitan Cultural Property.

The garden represents a classic example of kaiyu-shiki (stroll garden) design, featuring a central pond surrounded by carefully arranged hills, stone lanterns, and traditional tea houses. The landscape incorporates borrowed scenery techniques, utilizing distant views to create the illusion of greater space. Several historic structures remain on the grounds, including the Seian-tei tea house and stone monuments commemorating Okuma Shigenobu's political career and educational contributions.

Visitors can follow winding paths around the 1,500 square meter central pond, cross traditional bridges, and observe koi fish and seasonal waterfowl. The garden's tea house offers traditional matcha ceremonies by appointment, while the small museum displays artifacts from the Okuma family and exhibits about Meiji-era politics. Photography is permitted throughout most areas, though restrictions apply near certain memorial sites.

Spring brings cherry blossoms in early April, creating peak visitation periods, while autumn offers striking red maple foliage from mid-November through early December. Summer features lush greenery and blooming lotus flowers in the pond, though high humidity can make visits less comfortable. Winter provides serene snow-covered landscapes and fewer crowds, making it ideal for contemplative visits.

The garden is accessible via Waseda Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line or Edogawabashi Station on the Yurakucho Line, both requiring a 10-minute walk. Admission costs ¥300 for adults and ¥100 for students, with operating hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily except Mondays and New Year holidays. Audio guides in English are available for an additional ¥200, and the facility includes wheelchair-accessible paths to most major viewing areas.