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Former Iwasaki House Garden: A Glimpse into Meiji Era Elegance

Explore a Meiji-era mansion and gardens blending Western and Japanese styles, once home to the Iwasaki family, founders of Mitsubishi, in Tokyo.

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Step back in time at the Former Iwasaki House Garden, a beautifully preserved estate in Tokyo's Taito City. This historical site showcases a unique blend of Western and Japanese architectural styles, reflecting the opulent lifestyle of the Iwasaki family, founders of Mitsubishi. Explore the Western-style mansion, Japanese house, billiard house, and serene gardens for a glimpse into Japan's modernization during the Meiji era.

A brief summary to Former Iwasaki House Garden

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the buildings and gardens.
  • Note that photography is not allowed inside the buildings.
  • Visit during the spring or autumn for the best views of the gardens in bloom or with colorful foliage.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Ueno Park and its many museums and attractions.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Former Iwasaki House Garden is a short walk from several subway stations. From Yushima Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line), it's a 3-minute walk. Ueno-hirokoji Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line) is about a 10-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can walk from Ueno-Okachimachi Station (Toei Oedo Line). Subway fares in Tokyo typically range from ¥170 to ¥320 depending on the distance.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Ueno Park area, the Former Iwasaki House Garden is easily accessible by foot. It's located southwest of Shinobazu Pond. From the Ueno Park area, follow the signs towards Yushima Station. The garden is a short walk from the station. The walk is generally flat and takes about 15-20 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Tokyo. From Ueno Station, a taxi ride to the Former Iwasaki House Garden will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. The fare will likely be around ¥730 to ¥1000, considering the initial fare and distance.

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Discover more about Former Iwasaki House Garden

The Former Iwasaki House Garden, also known as Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Garden, offers a captivating journey into Japan's Meiji era (1868-1912). This historical estate, once owned by the influential Iwasaki family, founders of the Mitsubishi conglomerate, showcases a unique blend of Western and Japanese architectural styles. The garden features three main buildings: a Western-style mansion designed by British architect Josiah Conder, a Japanese house, and a billiard house. The Western-style mansion, completed in 1896, is a two-story wooden structure with a basement, drawing inspiration from the Jacobean style of 17th-century England. Inside, you'll find elegant interiors, intricate wooden craftsmanship, and even gold-embossed wallpaper. The billiard house, also designed by Conder, has a Swiss chalet-style. The Japanese house, constructed by Kijuro Okawa, is connected to the Western mansion and offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese residential architecture. The grounds of the Former Iwasaki House Garden were originally much larger, encompassing over 20 buildings. However, after World War II, the property was repurposed and later reduced in size. Today, the remaining buildings and gardens are preserved as a public park, offering visitors a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Stroll through the meticulously manicured lawns, admire the flower arrangements, and discover vestiges of the former Japanese garden. The Former Iwasaki House Garden provides a unique opportunity to experience the cultural blending of East and West that characterized Japan's modernization during the Meiji era.

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