Once the site of a feudal lord’s villa, Arisugawa-no-Miya Park is an urban sanctuary for residents and visitors the busy Hiroo neighborhood.
The park, donated to Tokyo in 1937 by the younger brother of Emperor Showa, is situated in a dell just north west of Hiroo Station. Prince Takamatsu, heir to the title Arisugawa-no-miya, deeply involved himself in charitable organizations after the World War II, and had a special interest in cultural preservation and the provision of recreation and education of children.
The park is beautiful in all seasons. If you approach from the east, you descend into a ravine surrounded by tall trees, and follow the paths by the stream.
From the Hiroo Station area, you can imagine ascending a mountain with ponds at the foot and waterfalls cascading down the rocky hillsides. Shuffle through the fallen leaves and skip over stones at the foot of the waterfall.
If you’re reluctant to return to modern Hiroo just yet, drop by the quiet Inari Shrine and Tenshinji Temple.
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Find out more about Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park.
Elizabeth S @elizabeth.scally
You will see many of my stories on Japan Travel are about places and events outside of big city centers and tourist destinations. While I highly recommend the big name sights and experiences, I encourage visitors to see and feel the atmosphere off the beaten path, too.
