Noda City's secret autumn garden [SPOT REPORT]

The past week in the Kanto region had cold and rainy weather, and I wondered if the autumn leaves stuck to their branches. On Sunday, November 27th, we had vibrant blue skies with no clouds in sight. So I hopped on my bicycle for an afternoon ramble to see the colours at Shimizu Park.

The momiji maples arching over a photogenic path in the park, creating a tunnel, are taking on vibrant hues. But the park was very busy with visitors, so I got back on my bike to see what I’d find at Kamihanawa Rekishikan, a historic house and garden in the city.

By the time I got there, it was after 3 p.m. but the light filtering through the tall trees on the west side of the site lit up the garden. To my surprise, the only other visitors were a father and his small children. The young family and I were warmly greeted at the gate by a tour guide who can inform you of the history of the house and its occupants in Japanese and slightly rusty English (she hasn’t had much practice while Japan was closed to international tourism).

She told me right away I was welcome to take photos of the garden but photos of the house interior are forbidden. No worry, as I was there to take in the exquisite garden architecture and the seasonal beauty.

Before I had a ramble around the garden, she pointed out the best path to take around the main house, the tea houses, the household shrine, and the gardens. She also told me how the team of gardeners takes six days every year to expertly manicure the pines, maples, and other feature trees. And the garden architecture dating from the Edo era is as fine as anything you see in Tokyo or Kyoto.

The enclosed garden in front of the master's quarters

A single persimmon clinging to a branch in the household shrine garden


Fallen momiji leaves scattered on the mossy path

The momiji and even some of the ginkgo trees may start to turn in the next week, so you still have time to take in this secluded garden.


 The stone lantern in front of the main house

Admission to the garden is 500 yen. The garden is a 20-minute walk west of Nodashi Station on the Tobu Noda Line. There's ample free parking, too.