A residence and garden, a National Historic Site, where Shōwa-era history lives on.
A spot where culture and nature merge, touching the stage of modern Japanese history
【荻外荘公園】
Located in a quiet residential area about a 15-minute walk from Ogikubo Station in Suginami City, Tokyo, 荻外荘公園（てきがいそうこうえん) is the former residence of Fumimaro Konoe（このえふみまろ）, who served three times as Prime Minister in the early Showa period, and it is where he lived from 1937 (Showa 12) to 1945 (Showa 20).
Designated a National Historic Site in 2016 and restored in 2024 to its appearance from when Konoe lived there, 荻外荘 is characterized by a distinctive architectural style that blends Japanese and Western elements. Inside the residence, you can enjoy modern interiors and furnishings, and experience the "Ogikubo Conference" through an exhibition using AR. Within the 6071.69-square-meter grounds are historic estate woodlands, seasonal flowers, and a sunny lawn plaza. (Photo courtesy: Ogikubo Three Gardens)
Three recommended highlights
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1. A masterpiece by leading Japanese architect Chuta Ito
Designed by Chuta Ito—the master of architectural history behind Tsukiji Hongwanji and Heian Shrine—荻外荘 is a valuable residence that uniquely fuses Japanese–Western eclectic style with exotic tastes. Each room delights with a distinct interior, from a guest room with Orient‑style wallpaper to a reception room adorned with exquisite raden inlay. Animal motifs appear on the wallpapers of the dining room and guest room, while dragon designs decorate the floor tiles of the reception room, showcasing the originality unique to Ito’s architecture throughout. The tall roof and distinctive window decorations are also highlights.
2. Discover 荻窪’s culture at the “Exhibition Pavilion” designed by Kengo Kuma
Opened on July 16, 2025, the 荻外荘 Exhibition Pavilion was designed by architect Kengo Kuma, known for works such as the New National Stadium. Characterized by a polygonal roof that seems to float along the slope, the building houses a shop and café on the first floor and an exhibition room on the second.
On the second floor, a permanent exhibition conveys the history and culture of 荻窪 under the theme “荻窪: The town where industrialists, politicians, and artists lived,” alongside materials related to 荻外荘 and 近衞文麿.
3. The expansive “Lawn Plaza” that carries on history
The lawn plaza spreading to the south of 荻外荘 still retains trees from the time when 近衞文麿 lived here, preserving the character of the estate’s woodland. Amid a tranquility hard to imagine in the city center, you can feel the weight of history while spending a leisurely time.
Facility information
| Name | 荻外荘公園 |
| Address | 167-0051 Tokyo, Suginami City, 荻窪 2-43-36 |
| Access |
［By train］15 minutes on foot from “荻窪駅” on JR Chuo/Sobu Lines and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line ［By car］No parking available [Bus] Kanto Bus Ogi 51 for Chaleur Ogikubo; get off at “Tokuyō Home Ogikubo Shion” and walk 5 minutes [Green Slow Mobility] Get off at “Tekigaiso Park,” 1 minute on foot |
| Hours | 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30) |
| Closed days |
Wednesday, year-end/New Year holidays (12/29–1/1) (The lawn plaza is closed only during the year-end/New Year holidays) ※During peak periods, the park may open temporarily on Wednesdays. For the latest information, please check the website, each garden’s official Instagram, or inquire by phone. |
| Admission |
Admission🔸Viewing ticket: General 300 yen / Elementary & junior high students 150 yen (children not yet in school are free) 🔸Annual viewing pass: General 1,200 yen / Elementary & junior high students 600 yen (valid for one year from purchase date)
🔸Groups (20 or more): General 250 yen / Elementary & junior high students 100 yen Free admission 🔸Holders of a disability certificate or digital certificate (Mirairo ID): the holder + one caregiver 🔸Visits under the educational curriculum of ward elementary/junior high schools and special needs schools (elementary/junior divisions) Notes for group visits 🔸If you would like an on-site guide: inquire at least 1 month in advance / For self-guided visits: at least 1 week in advance. Advance reservation required (details via “Contact” or by phone) |
| Official site | https://ogikubo3gardens.jp/tekigaiso/ |
Other recommended information
As one of the “Ogikubo Three Gardens,” Tekigaiso Park can be toured together with the nearby Otaguro Park and Kadokawa Garden. By visiting gardens with distinct charms, you can fully enjoy Suginami City’s rich culture and nature.
Situated in a quiet residential area, it is a special place where history and nature breathe. Make it a new discovery on your Tokyo trip.
References
- Tekigaiso Park official website: https://ogikubo3gardens.jp/tekigaiso/
BASIC INFORMATION
| Name |
荻外荘公園 (テキガイソウ・コウエン) |
|---|---|
| Phone | 03-6383-5711 |
| Address | 2-43-36 Ogikubo, Suginami-ku, Tokyo Access |
| Official URL | https://ogikubo3gardens.jp/tekigaiso/ |