Kyu-Furukawa Gardens

Tucked into the quiet residential area of Kita ward, Kyu-Furukawa Gardens is one of Tokyo’s rare places where you can walk seamlessly between Western and Japanese worlds. Perched on a gentle hill, the striking Western-style mansion, designed by British architect Josiah Conder in the early Taisho era, anchors the top of the grounds. With its dark stone walls and angular silhouette, the manor feels more European than Japanese, a nod to the period’s fascination with Western culture.

In front of the mansion lies a beautifully manicured rose garden in the formal European style, complete with symmetrical pathways and terraces. The garden boasts around 200 rose bushes in spring and autumn, offering bursts of color and scent that contrast with the quiet elegance of the house behind them. The roses typically peak in May and again in October, drawing visitors from all over the city.

Descending from the Western grounds, the scene shifts entirely. A winding path leads to a lush Japanese garden, designed by master gardener Ogawa Jihei VII (Ueji). His layout uses the landscape’s natural slope to create a layered stroll garden centered on a shinji-ike (heart-shaped pond), a small 10-meter waterfall, and a collection of stone lanterns, bridges, and a chashitsu (tea house). In autumn, the area comes alive with koyo [紅葉], as maples and other deciduous trees reflect fiery reds and golds across the pond surface. It’s a quiet, photogenic moment that contrasts beautifully with the spring and summer greenery.

While the Western mansion isn’t generally open for casual walkthroughs, a refined tea salon in the building lets guests enjoy Japanese sweets and tea with a view of the roses. Photography isn’t allowed inside, preserving the ambiance. Outside, both casual strollers and photographers will find plenty to appreciate, from dramatic stone textures to soft reflections on water.

For those looking to photograph the site, early morning or late afternoon offers softer lighting, especially in the Japanese garden. The rose terraces are best shot slightly elevated to capture their symmetry, while the pond below reflects color and sky beautifully in calm weather. Tripods aren’t allowed, so hand-held shooting or phone cameras are best.