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Tokugawaen Garden

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Tokugawaen Garden

A pond-stroll Japanese garden with a richly varied landscape.

3.29 6

Last update :
Supervised by :  Tokugawaen Garden

This Japanese garden was created on the former site of Ozone Residence, a retirement retreat built in 1695 by Mitsutomo, the second lord of the Owari Domain. The estate is said to have covered approximately 109 acres (44 hectares) at the time.

It is designed as a pond-stroll garden, the style most commonly used for feudal lords’ gardens during the Edo period. A clear stream flows from a waterfall, through a ravine, and into a pond representing the sea, symbolically recreating Japan’s natural landscapes.

Tokugawaen Garden is also known for its varied, dramatic scenery, which makes full use of the site’s considerable changes in elevation. The garden features many delightful touches, including Ryumon-no-Taki Waterfall, a recreation of a waterfall once found at the Owari Tokugawa family’s Edo residence, where the water flow increases every 20 minutes. Ryusen Lake, with its Chinese-style stone bridge and gracefully swimming koi, is another scene worth photographing.

Seasonal flowers include peonies in spring and Japanese irises in early summer. The garden is especially striking during the fall foliage season, when it turns brilliant red and is illuminated at night.

Highlights

  • A Japanese garden created on the former site of a retirement residence belonging to the lord of the Owari Domain.
  • Varied scenery featuring waterfalls, ponds, and streams.
  • Especially impressive during the fall foliage season, with nighttime illumination.

Photos

  • Ryusen Lake and Kansenro, which houses a restaurant and other facilities

    Ryusen Lake and Kansenro, which houses a restaurant and other facilities

  • Fall foliage and Ozone-no-Taki Waterfall

    Fall foliage and Ozone-no-Taki Waterfall

  • Japanese irises and traditional Japanese umbrellas

    Japanese irises and traditional Japanese umbrellas

  • Kuromon Gate, built in 1900 and preserved in its original form

    Kuromon Gate, built in 1900 and preserved in its original form

  • Wisteria is also in bloom around May

    Wisteria is also in bloom around May

  • Peonies add color to the garden in spring

    Peonies add color to the garden in spring

Reviews

6

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Linda Liao
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    This time, I chose to visit Tokugawa Garden on an autumn evening and also see the illumination ceremony for the autumn festival. Although it wasn't yet the season when the maple leaves turn bright red, the garden scenery still looked especially romantic against the beautiful lighting.

    The garden is designed in the traditional Japanese pond-centered strolling style and was originally the villa of Tokugawa Mitsutomo, the second lord of the Owari Tokugawa clan. Centered around a pond, the garden skillfully incorporates waterfalls, streams, bridges, and seasonal plants, showcasing the style of a feudal lord's garden from the Edo period.

  • wendy
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    Step into this lush, Zen-like Japanese stroll garden centered around a pond, and take a leisurely walk along the paths while admiring the natural beauty created by the water, trees, flowers, and changing seasons. The entire garden is beautiful and has a relaxed pace, making it perfect for slowing down and enjoying some quiet time.

    I visited in summer, when everything was lush and green and sunlight filtered through the garden, giving it a fresh, pleasant atmosphere. Admission is only JPY 300! It's affordable, the scenery is beautiful, and it's definitely worth making time for a visit〜

  • Holly
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    I first stopped by a nearby kissaten for a classic Nagoya breakfast, so I decided to walk into Tokugawaen afterward. To my surprise, I happened to catch a winter peony exhibition. I honestly didn’t expect to see so many peonies in winter. Their delicate petals were layered beautifully, and the colors were so rich. After seeing them all, I understood why people in the past were so fascinated by peonies.

    I also happened to come across a nagashi-bina ceremony, which added movement and life to the otherwise quiet Hinamatsuri atmosphere. I didn’t expect to see this ceremony anywhere other than Shimogamo Shrine, and this one even allowed the general public to participate. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to join because I wanted to see the hina dolls at the art museum.

    I had assumed a winter garden would feel plain, but the waterfall, water features, and peonies made the garden feel alive even in winter. It also helped me understand what books mean when they describe how daimyo gardens reflected control over technique, resources, and space.

  • 林鈺桀
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    I really want to travel there again. So happy, love it 😁

  • 白海歌
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    This Japanese garden has a totally different style from Chinese pavilions and towers. The museum next door also has a large collection of items from the Tokugawa family.

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Details

Name in Japanese
徳川園
Postal Code
461-0023
Address
1001 Tokugawa-cho, Higashi Ward, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
Phone
052-935-8988
Closed on
Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a national holiday)
Hours
9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (last admission at 5:00 p.m.); hours are subject to change
Admission
Adults: ¥300; junior high school students and younger: free
Access
1) Approximately a 10-minute walk from the South Exit of JR Ozone Station
2) A 15-minute walk from Ozone Station on the Nagoya Municipal Subway or Meitetsu lines
3) Approximately 36 minutes from Nagoya Station on the Nagoya Sightseeing Route Bus Me~guru
4) Approximately 25 minutes from Nagoya Station on Key Route Bus No. 2, followed by an approximately 3-minute walk from Tokugawaen Shindeki
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa