OTAGURO PARK (Update: 12/16)

The Beautiful Colors of Koi Fish and Fall Foliage, and a Historical Piano
[updated December 2025]

You can experience true peace and tranquility at Otaguro Park in Ogikubo, only around 20 minutes total trip from Shinjuku. Here, the sounds of a babbling brook, the calmness of a pond with koi, a winding stone pathway and bridge, as well as an old manor with important Tokyo history, and more, are waiting for you to experience.

Just a 10-minute walk from the south exit of Ogikubo Station on the Chuo Line (or Metro Marunouchi Line) is Otaguro Park, famous as a seasonal Japanese-style garden. It was built on the site that was at one time the residence of Moto’o Otaguro, the famous music critic who first introduced the likes of Debussy and Stravinsky to Japan. Otaguro was a musician himself, and his favorite piano remains housed in the commemorative building there. It was also Otaguro that first established the roots of classical music in Ogikubo; classical music cafes like Mignon and the Ogikubo Ongakusai classical music festival followed.

The park is such a beautiful place it can compete with any garden in the center of Tokyo. Also, in the fall season the beautiful fall foliage is brilliantly lit up! It is one of the best spots west of Shinjuku Station and the Yamanote Line to view the colorful autumn leaves. The illumination usually takes place from the end of November into early December. Be careful not to go too late, as the park doesn’t allow entry after 7:45pm on weekdays or 8:30pm on the weekend during the event. Also note there is a 300 yen entry charge for adults (100 yen for children Elementary and Middle/Junior High School age).

If you aren’t in town during the illumination, you’ll still be able to witness the brilliant colors of the koi fish swimming in the pond anytime. There are also some beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, and a simple stroll around the tranquil park will make you feel at peace in any season.

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Writer/Translator: Greg
Photographer: Kasamine, TFF staff