Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Garden

Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Garden preserves the former estate of the Iwasaki family, founders of the Mitsubishi zaibatsu and one of the most powerful industrial dynasties of Meiji-era Japan. The property is notable for its striking Western-style mansion designed by British architect Josiah Conder, which stands in fascinating contrast to the adjacent traditional Japanese-style house. The site is designated as an Important Cultural Property and offers a unique window into Japan's rapid modernization during the late 19th century.

What to Expect

The centerpiece is the magnificent Western mansion, built in 1896 with a distinctive Jacobean architectural style featuring ornate interiors with intricate wallpaper, stained glass, and period furnishings. A separate Japanese-style building demonstrates how the family maintained traditional living spaces alongside Western innovations. The surrounding garden features mature trees, manicured lawns, and a massive ginkgo tree believed to be over 400 years old. The contrast between the Western and Japanese sections of the property reflects the cultural duality that defined the Meiji period.

Getting There

• Nearest Station: Yushima Station (Chiyoda Line), Ueno-Hirokoji Station (Ginza Line)
• Walking Time: 5 minutes from Yushima Station
• Entry Fee: 400 yen for adults
• Best Time to Visit: Any season; indoors available year-round