Kyu-Furukawa Gardens – a beautiful English garden in Tokyo

A little piece of England exists in Tokyo? Yes, it does, and you can find it at Kyu-Furukawa Gardens near Komagome station on the Yamanote line. This historical place is famous for its garden, mansion, and lawn.  You can’t get much more English than that, can you?  Josiah Conder, a British architect, was responsible for its design.  You’ll be responsible for taking photos that make it look good.

It would have been a pretty place when its roses bloomed during its Meiji era heyday.  I bet Tokyo’s rich and famous enjoyed it.  That type of garden would have been new to the city, and many people would have been interested in it.

But now, in the twenty-first century, it is open to the public.  When the roses bloom, the grounds overflow with people.  Everyone comes with a camera or a smartphone to photograph the sea of color.  The garden is alive with brilliant reds and oranges through yellows, pinks, and whites.

If you visit when the weather is right, it’ll be picture perfect.  There are so many roses of different colors from all over the world. They’re all gorgeous. The staff at Furukawa tend them with great care.  You can see pictures of the 2021 season here (link coming soon). This garden is one of the best of its type in Tokyo.  Without a doubt, it is in the city’s top five. 

Kyu-Furukawa isn’t only about roses, though.  There is also a Japanese garden (not designed by Conder) at the rear of the property.  It is a mini-version of other Edo-period ones in Tokyo.  A pond (named “Shinji”) ringed by a path to enjoy a walk is in the middle.  There are also enormous lanterns, some small hills, and a waterfall.  Sit on a bench and spend some time enjoying the “vibes.”  This is a great place in autumn too.

A brief history of Kyu-Furukawa Gardens

• The property once belonged to Mutsu Munemitsu, a Meiji Period statesman and diplomat.
• When the Furukawa family adopted his second son, it became their property.
• Josiah Condor (1852 – 1920), the English architect, designed the mansion. 
• Jihei Ogawa (1860 – 1933), a garden designer from Kyoto, created the Japanese garden.
• Kyu-Furukawa is regarded as a typical example of the gardens of the Taisho Period. 

Why do photographers like the gardens?

• Mansion (designed by Josiah Conder)
• Japanese-style pond area (amazing in autumn)
• Roses in May and October (See spring 2021 pics here)
• Teahouse
• It’s closer to the center of Tokyo than Jindai Botanical Gardens.

Photography tips

Tripods are allowed, but not when the roses bloom.

Where is Kyu-Furukawa Gardens?

Kyu-Furukawa is easy to get to, as there are three stations nearby:

1)      JR Komagome Station:  leave via the South exit.  Once out, turn right and keep walking up Hongo-Dori (or Hongo road).  Furukawa Gardens are about a fifteen-minute walk away.  Most people use this station.

2)      Kami-Nakasato station on the JR Keihin-Tohoku line is about a seven-minute walk.

3)      Nishigahara station on the Tokyo Metro Nanboku line is also about a seven-minute walk.

Here is a Google map:

Admission fee

¥150

Public Restrooms

Available.

Opening hours

Kyu-Furukawa is open from 9 am to 5 pm (last admittance at 4:30 pm).  As with all parks run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association, it is closed from December 26 to February 7.

Other photo spots near Kyu-Furukawa Gardens

• Hokutopia (observatory)
• Koishikawa Botanical Gardens
• Rikugien (garden)
• Sky Circus Sunshine 60 (observatory)

Wrapping up

I love Kyu-Furukawa as it is very picturesque.  But make sure you go in May or October when the roses will be there!  Autumn is also a good time with its fabulous leaves.  It really is a little piece of England in Tokyo!

And if possible, get inside the mansion with one of the guided tours. Those are available three times a day. You can see Kyu-Furukawa Garden’s website here. With its beautiful garden, things are looking very rosy. If you are a flower lover, put it on your bucket list.