Kokubunji: From Tonogayato Gardens along Otaka no Michi to the Musashi Kokubun-ji Temple Site

History and Local Charm

Kokubunji City features a cliff known as the Kokubunji Cliff Line. Formed by the erosion of the ancient Tama River, it is referred to locally as Hake. Spring water emerges from beneath the cliff, feeding bodies of water such as the pond at Tonogayato Gardens and Masugata Pond.

In the Nara period, the provincial temple (kokubun-ji) of Musashi Province was constructed here. This followed the order of Emperor Shomu in 741 (Tenpyo 13) to establish kokubun-ji temples across all provinces. The temple was built approximately 2 kilometers north of the provincial capital (kokufu) in what is now Fuchu City. On either side of the Tosando Musashi-michi, an official road that branched off the Tosando and led to the provincial capital, the monastery (monks' temple) was laid out to the east and the nunnery to the west.

This walking route travels in one direction from east to west through Kokubunji, a town nurtured by cliffs and water, taking you from a garden that began as a Taisho-era villa to spring-fed ponds and the remains of an ancient grand temple.

Key Highlights

• ​Tonogayato Gardens​​: A designated National Place of Scenic Beauty, this strolling garden with forest and pond utilizes a valley formed in the terrace cliff. The atmosphere shifts completely between the bright, open lawn atop the cliff and the spring-fed pond and woods below. The spring water of Jiro Benten Pond at the base of the cliff was once celebrated as "the pure water of Jiro Benten."
• ​Masugata Pond​​: Formed by spring water emerging beneath the Kokubunji Cliff Line, it is combined with surrounding springs as the "Otaka no Michi / Masugata Pond Springs," recognized as one of the Ministry of the Environment's 100 Exquisite Waters. Its name originates from a legend that Tamatsukuri Komachi, who suffered from illness, purified her body in this water and returned to her true, healthy form (masugata). Benzaiten is enshrined in the small shrine by the pond.
• ​Musashi Kokubun-ji Temple Site​​: A designated National Historic Site containing the remains of Musashi Province's provincial temple from the Nara period. The Kondo (main hall) was a foundation-stone building measuring approximately 36 meters wide by 17 meters deep, and many of its foundation stones remain today. Located 200 meters east of the Kondo and Kodo (lecture hall) sites are the remains of a seven-storied pagoda estimated to have been around 60 meters tall.

Recommended Route and Time Required

The estimated time required is about 3 hours. Tonogayato Gardens is a 2-minute walk from the South Exit of Kokubunji Station. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the garden has significant elevation changes. Walk down the edge of the cliff from the lawn area to Jiro Benten Pond, then climb the steep slope to reach Koyo-tei Teahouse.

After leaving the gardens, head southwest for about 880 meters toward Masugata Pond. Strolling along the clear stream from the entrance to Otaka no Michi leads to Masugata Pond. Otaka no Michi is a narrow path about 1 meter wide passing through a residential area; please walk quietly.

About 260 meters southwest from Masugata Pond lies the Musashi Kokubun-ji Temple Site. After viewing the Kondo and Kodo sites, walk 200 meters east to see the site of the seven-storied pagoda. Excavated artifacts are on display at the Musashi Kokubun-ji Temple Site Museum inside the Otaka no Michi Yusuien, situated east of the present Kokubun-ji Temple. Admission to Yusuien is required to enter the museum.

For the return journey, head toward Nishi-Kokubunji Station. Crossing north at the Kokubunji Yon-sho Iriguchi intersection toward Nishi-Kokubunji Station, a sidewalk nearly three times wider than the roadway appears. This is a restored and displayed section of the Tosando Musashi-michi, an ancient official road constructed straight with a width of 12 meters. It takes about 15 minutes on foot from the temple site to Nishi-Kokubunji Station.

If you wish to walk for a full day, you can take the JR Chuo Line from Nishi-Kokubunji Station to neighboring Kunitachi Station. Exiting the South Exit, the Former Kunitachi Station Building with its red triangular roof stands before you, and Daigaku-dori Avenue extends straight to the south. Yabo Tenmangu Shrine is located approximately 2.2 kilometers south of the Former Kunitachi Station Building.

Summary of the Experience

A garden that changes its character between the top and bottom of the cliff, a pond of exquisite spring water at the end of a path alongside a clear stream, and the foundation stones of an ancient grand temple. Walking along the springs of the Kokubunji Cliff Line allows you to experience the area's history as if traveling back in time, from a Taisho-era villa to the Nara-period Kokubun-ji. Finally, experience the width of the ancient official road beneath your feet as you make your way to the station.