Tokugawa Garden

Tokugawa Garden is a Japanese strolling garden in Nagoya spread across roughly 2.3 hectares with a carefully composed landscape. The central lake called Ryusenko is surrounded by waterfalls, wooden bridges, and deliberately placed rock formations that represent natural scenes found throughout Japan.

The garden was built in 1695 as a retirement residence for Tokugawa Mitsutomo, the second lord of Owari Province. It was rebuilt and renovated after suffering destruction during World War II.

The garden reflects traditional Japanese design principles through its waterfalls and tea houses that visitors can experience directly. The seasonal plants and their arrangement around the lake follow patterns that have been maintained for centuries.

The garden is open during daytime hours and is best explored on foot along the paths that wind around the lake. Sturdy footwear is recommended, especially after rain when surfaces can become slippery.

The Ryumon no Taki waterfall features a mechanism that creates sudden water surges in an unexpected rhythm. This carefully engineered effect surprises visitors who might otherwise expect calm, still waters throughout the garden.

Location: Tokugawachō

Inception: 1695

Official opening: November 3, 1932

Website: https://tokugawaen.aichi.jp/english

GPS coordinates: 35.18444,136.93258

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:07