Ikegami Plum Garden

In short

Ikegami Plum Garden is a tranquil garden operated by Ota City that makes use of a hillside slope. Featuring over 30 varieties of plum (the official flower of the ward), red and white blossoms bloom from February to March, filling the surrounding area with their fragrance. The northern half of the grounds was originally the residence and studio of the Japanese-style painter Ito Shinsui.

• ​Hillside Plum Grove and Observation Deck​​: Climbing the stairs leads to an observation deck offering sweeping views of the garden below.
• ​Two Tea Houses​​: Seigetsuan was donated to the city following a preservation movement, and Chouan was a tea house owned by politician Fujiyama Aiichiro that was donated to the city.
• ​Seasonal Flowers​​: Around 800 azalea bushes bloom in spring, hydrangeas bloom in June, and in winter, visitors can appreciate the traditional aesthetic of yukizuri (protective ropes for branches).

History and Highlights

​Ikegami Plum Garden​ is a quiet Ota City garden created along a gentle hillside. Within the grounds, there are over 30 varieties of plum—the ward's flower—totaling around 370 trees of both red and white blossoms. Blooming from February to March, they envelop the area in a sweet aroma.

Originally, the northern half of the garden served as the home and studio of the Japanese-style painter Ito Shinsui. After the building was destroyed by fire during the Pacific War, Ogura Makoto, who operated a traditional restaurant in Tsukiji, took over the property. Ogura expanded the grounds southward to use it as a villa. Following Ogura's death, the bereaved family transferred it to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which later transferred it to Ota City. Subsequently, trees—primarily red-blossomed plums—were planted, resulting in the current garden that takes advantage of the gentle hill slope.

In addition to the plum trees, there are 50 varieties of trees, including azaleas that blanket the slope. About 800 azalea bushes bloom in spring, and hydrangeas bloom in June. In winter, the garden also displays the scenic charm of yukizuri.

Highlights for Viewing and Experiencing

• ​View from the Observation Deck​​: As you climb the stairs, you will find landings and an observation deck. From here, you can look out across the scenery of the garden spreading below. In 2013, a deck connecting to the observation deck was installed.
• ​Two Tea Houses​​: Seigetsuan was originally an annex built at the private residence of Kawajiri Zenji, the designer of Ito Shinsui's studio. When it was at risk of being lost due to condominium construction, a preservation movement led to it being donated to Ota City. The city re-erected it in this plum garden, which shares deep ties with both Shinsui and Zenji, naming it "Seigetsuan." Chouan was a tea house owned by politician Fujiyama Aiichiro, which was donated to Ota City in 1983.
• ​Sounds of the Suikinkutsu​​: The garden also features a suikinkutsu (underground water harp). While enjoying the plum blossoms, listen closely to hear its gentle sound.

Walking Tips

The garden is about a 10-minute walk from Nishi-magome Station on the Toei Asakusa Line, and about a 20-minute walk from Ikegami Station on the Tokyu Ikegami Line. After walking through the grounds, head up the stairs to the observation deck. The garden's scenery will open up beneath your eyes.

Ikegami Honmon-ji Temple is located about a 5-minute walk away. Be sure to pay it a visit along the way.