I came for the azaleas, then ran back again every month, because this garden’s flower displays are seriously impressive, year round. Many botanical gardens sacrifice landscape design to cram in the variety of plants that satisfy seekers of specimens, but this one does both, and does it so well that it’s a pleasure to explore every corner, whatever your passion. Plus, you can do that for hours! This place is vast, with paths and lawns that are never crowded, and no matter how many times I go, I never fail to find a new corner that surprises and delights.
This jewel of a garden is outside of central Tokyo, but it’s well worth the trip. If you take an express train (Keio Line) from Shinjuku Station, it takes about twenty minutes to get to Chofu Station, then it’s a ten minute bus ride to the main entrance (take the 4 or the 6 Odakyu bus from outside the North Exit) or an easy thirty minute walk. I guarantee, you won’t be disappointed!
Hours: 9:30 – 17:00
Closed: Mondays
Open: Every other day except Dec 29 – Jan 1.
Admission: Adults: ¥500, Children: ¥250
•
Read a novel set in Tokyo…
