Kyu-Furukawa

The Kyu-Furukawa Gardens are located in the Kita Ward of northern Tokyo. The property is famous for its Western-style home and extensive rose garden. However, there is also an extensive  traditional Japanese stone garden as part of the property.  

The home was the residence of Mutsu Munemitsu (1844-1897) a prominent statesman and diplomat of the Meiji government. The residential building was designed by British architect Josiah Condor. 

The Japanese garden is considered an excellent example of a Taisho era garden and has a pond in the shape of the Chinese character for “heart.” I was surprised to discover that the Japanese portion of the garden was so extensive. It was a nice retreat from the urban sprawl of Tokyo that surrounds the entire garden area.