Machida Peony Garden

In short

Machida Peony Garden, located in Nozuta-machi, Machida City, is regarded as one of the prominent peony viewing spots in the Kanto region. It is situated about a 7-minute walk from Yakushi Pond. Approximately 330 varieties of tree peonies and about 60 varieties of herbaceous peonies are planted here. It is also the former site of the residence of Ishizaka Masataka, a leader of the Freedom and People's Rights Movement, and traces of history remain within the flower garden.

• ​Tree Peonies and Herbaceous Peonies​​: Visitors can appreciate large, vividly colored flowers in shades such as red, pink, white, and yellow.
• ​Freedom and People's Rights Monument​​: A monument stands here commemorating the place associated with the meeting of Ishizaka Masataka's eldest daughter, Minako, and Kitamura Tokoku.
• ​Minken no Mori​​: Outside the flowering season, it is open free of charge as Minken no Mori Park, with a green space conservation area extending to the east.

History and Highlights

​Machida Peony Garden​ is a flower garden in Nozuta-machi. It is located about a 7-minute walk from Yakushi Pond. On grounds of 16,000 square meters, approximately 330 varieties of tree peonies and about 60 varieties (around 600 plants) of herbaceous peonies are planted. Machida City considers it one of the prominent peony viewing spots in the Kanto region.

During the blooming period of the tree peonies and herbaceous peonies, the garden opens for an admission fee. According to information from Machida City, this is usually from mid-April to early May. During other times, it is open free of charge as Minken no Mori Park. The peony garden is part of Minken no Mori Park.

This location is the site of the former residence of Ishizaka Masataka, who led the Freedom and People's Rights Movement in former Kanagawa Prefecture. The residence was sold in 1904 to pay off debts incurred from political activities. The land of the residence was later donated to Machida City by the person who inherited it.

A monument to the Freedom and People's Rights Movement stands within the grounds. It commemorates the place associated with the meeting of Ishizaka's eldest daughter, Minako, and Kitamura Tokoku. The grave of Ishizaka Masataka stands in Minken no Mori on the hillside behind the former residence site. Because his eldest son moved to the United States and his daughters married into other families, the people of Nozuta have protected the grave. Even today, the Nozuta neighborhood association conducts memorial services and cleanups.

Viewing and Experience Points

• ​Vivid, Large Blooms​​: You can view vivid, large blooms in colors such as red, pink, white, and yellow. Approximately 330 varieties of tree peonies are planted.
• ​Herbaceous Peonies Can Also Be Seen​​: In addition to tree peonies, about 60 varieties and approximately 600 plants of herbaceous peonies are also planted.
• ​Freedom and People's Rights Monument and Grave​​: Within the flower garden stands the Freedom and People's Rights monument associated with Ishizaka Masataka. Ishizaka Masataka's grave is also located on adjacent land.

Walking Tips

From bus stop No. 21 at the north exit of Machida Station, take a bus bound for Tsurukawa Station via Hon-Machida or bound for Nozuta Shako via Hon-Machida, get off at "Yakushigaoka," and walk for about 7 minutes. It takes about 30 minutes from Machida Station to "Yakushigaoka."

The peony garden's parking lot is intended for people with disabilities and others in need. When coming by car, it is about a 7-minute walk from the parking lot at Yakushi-ike Park. Because the parking lots at Yakushi-ike Park become extremely crowded during the paid admission period, Machida City encourages the use of public transportation.

To the east of the park, the "Machida Minken no Mori Greenery Conservation Area" designated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government extends over approximately 19,000 square meters. Yakushi Pond is about 610 meters southeast of here. Machida Squirrel Garden is also located near Yakushi Pond.