Fukiage Gyoen

What it is

• A 25-hectare forest land containing the residence of the Emperor and Empress.
• Originally called Tsubonesawa before being developed as a garden by Tokugawa Iemitsu.
• Managed as a natural Musashino environment since becoming an imperial garden after the Meiji Restoration.
• A site of high biodiversity where a biological survey confirmed approximately 5,000 species.

What to see

• The residence of the Emperor and Empress located within the grounds.
• Extensive forest land preserved to represent the natural Musashino environment.
• A diverse range of 5,000 species of flora and fauna throughout the site.
• The site of a former medicinal herb garden established by Tokugawa Yoshimune.

When to go

• The garden is opened to the public on holidays in May.
• Nature observation events are hosted by the Imperial Household Agency in spring and autumn.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.