Komagome has two of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in Tokyo, stores that sell traditional goods, and an old-fashioned Japanese shopping street.
Let’s start at Rikugi-en. This garden was built in 1695 by the 5th shōgun’s grand chamberlain, and was cleverly designed to include 88 views that are described in famous waka (31-syllable) poems. You don’t need to know the poems to appreciate the snapshot-perfect views everywhere you turn.
Rikugi-en is designed to look beautiful and different in every season.
In early April, the weeping cherry tree near the entrance draws record crowds of camera-toting visitors. Later that month, azaleas of all colors cover a steep hill just beyond the teahouse.
But my personal favorite time to see this garden is in the fall.
This garden is so famous for its brilliant autumn leaves and cherry blossoms that special evening hours are added in November and April.
Hours: 9:00 – 17:00
Open: Every day except 12/29-1/3
Admission: ¥300
The Komagome neighborhood is great too. On the main street leading from the station to Rikugi-en’s side entrance, there are some small shops selling indigo-dyed goods.
If you’d like to try traditional shibori (knotted resist) indigo dyeing yourself, look for the small shop with indigo goods hanging outside and big square vats of dye inside. (The sign is in Japanese, but don’t let that scare you away.) For about ¥1500 the nice ladies will teach you to shibori-dye your own handkerchief.
First they’ll show you samples of various shibori patterns. After you choose which one you want to make, they will teach you how to wrap the cloth and dye it. It takes about an hour from start to finish, and in the end you’ll have a traditionally-dyed souvenir that you made yourself. They are open every day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and there is no need for a reservation. They only speak a little English, but are very good at communicating with foreigners. Children are welcome. Cash only.
Keep going along the street, past the station, and in a few blocks you’ll come to the Shimofuri Shopping Street, branching off to the left.
Komagome is right next door to Sugamo (see map), home of the Koshinzuka Shopping Street. The street market is really fun and not to be missed on the 4th, 14th & 24th of each month, but it’s entertaining in a very retro way on other days too.
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While you’re in Japan, read a novel set in Tokyo!
