The Park’s History

In the Edo Period (1603-1868), what is now Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park was the site of an urban villa that was used by Minonokami Nambu, a feudal lord from the Morioka domain that then covered parts of modern-day Iwate and Aomori prefectures.
in1896, the site was developed as a new residence for Prince Tanehito (1887-1908), son of Imperial Prince Arisugawa-no-miya Takehito (1862-1913), whose death marked the demise of the Arisugawa-no-miya branch of the Imperial Household.Emperor Taisho(1879-1926) bestowed Arisugawa-no-miya Takehito’s former title, Takamatsu-no-miya, on his third son, Imperial Prince Terunomiya Nobuhito(1905-1987). Deeply interested in recreational area intended for children's health and education. His Highness Takamatsu-no-miya subsequently donated the site to the Tokyo metropolitan authorities for it to be opened as a public park in 1934. Expanded to include the Azabu Baseball Field and tennis courts, the park was handed over to the control of the city's Minato Ward municipal authorities in 1975.
Close to the park's administrative offices stands a bronze statue of Arisugawa-no-miya Takehito's elder half brother, Imperial Prince Arisugawa-no-miya Taruhito (1835-1895).

Natural Beauty

The lush green park follows the contours of the Azabu terrain. With its hills, valleys,and ponds, this is an elegant Japanese garden with respect for natural beauty.
The rolling land falls in a gentle slope, from high ground in the east, to a low-lying area on the southwest corner. There are many densely wooded areas in the park, with a brook that flows to the southwest pond.
The elegantly designed landscape includes dirt paths with log steps, along with a stone bridge over the stream where it flows into the pond. In the southeast plaza facing the German Embassy is the equestrian statue masterpiece of Prince Arisugawa Taruhito, along with other works including the Newspaper Delivery Boy, and the Youth Playing a Flute. The Tokyo Metropolitan Library also sits on a rise within the park.

Garden

From the high ground of the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Library on the east side, the park terrain slopes downhill toward the west side, blending a pleasant diversity of scenes such as a mountain stream, waterfall, and a pond graced by domestic and wild ducks. A stroll along the path by the stream, amid the sounds of chirping birds and tumbling water, imports the charm of being deep in the mountains. Two islands are arrayed within the pond along with attractive stone lanterns near the edge. Water draining from the north and east areas of the park forms the stream and waterfall that flows into the pond. The stream is spanned by several distinctive bridges, including an arched one, in a zone of beautifully maintained garden trees.

Seasonal Blossoms

The leafy park is filled with flowering trees and plants that offer beauty to enjoy with the changing seasons. In spring there are plum and cherry blossoms, along with flowering dogwoods, the city tree. In early summer irises bloom, followed by hydrangeas, the city flower. Fall brings the colorful foliage of the gingkoes and Japanese maples, and winter peaceful snowscapes.
The plum blossoms in February are particularly stunning, and there are 11 varieties of cherry blossom, including the popular Japanese Cherry and Yoshino Cherry. The park offers a unique experience with each visit.