A peaceful Japanese garden sits just steps from Mejiro Station on the JR Yamanote line. Designed in the kaiyu (scenic promenade style), the walking path leads across stepping stones and around the pond, taking in a gazebo, a waterfall and a teahouse along the way. The garden is a popular spot for wedding photos and you can often stumble upon a bride in traditional kimono having her photo taken against the beautiful backdrop. The Sekicho-an teahouse, whose name means "red bird temple" can be rented for private functions such as tea ceremonies or ikebana demonstrations. There is no admission fee to enter the garden, except for during the annual autumn light-up event.
Mandy Bartok @mandy.bartok
Japan resident for 10 years, with time spent in Okinawa, Kumamoto and Tokyo.