Komaba Park and Maeda Residence

Nestled in Tokyo’s Meguro Ward, Komaba Park is a site steeped in history, featuring the Maeda Residence with its distinctive blend of Western and Japanese architectural styles. The park, with its traditional Japanese garden, offers a peaceful glimpse into Japan’s past.

About Komaba Park and Maeda Residence

Located on the former estate of the Maeda family, descendants of the powerful Kaga Clan Samurai, Komaba Park showcases the meeting of different cultural influences. The Western-style residence, constructed in 1929 by architect Yasushi Tsukamoto, boasts earthquake-resistant design and elements such as scratch tiles and Italian marble. Following this, a Japanese-style garden was added in 1930 to accommodate international guests. The Maeda family, who played a pivotal role during the Meiji period, made this place their home.

After World War II, the mansion was used by the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (SCAP) as quarters for Generals Ennis Whitehead and Matthew Bunker Ridgway. The land underwent various ownership changes, including being used by Nakajima Aircraft Company. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government took over in 1964, and in 1967, the estate was inaugurated as Komaba Park. Since 1975, it has fallen under the management of Meguro District.

The estate, consisting of the main house and tea house surrounded by a garden, is now a designated cultural property. While not operating as a museum, it allows the public to view the living history of the Maeda family. The park also includes the Museum of Modern Japanese Literature, contributing to the area’s cultural ambiance.

Visitors can freely tour the Western-style house’s first and second floors and the Japanese-style house. During cherry blossom season, the park becomes a beloved location for hanami festivities.

Adjacent to the University of Tokyo, Komaba Campus, Komaba Park is not just a significant historical site but also a reflection of the architectural synthesis that characterizes the era. In 2018, a special event connected the Western and Japanese-style residences with a new passageway and fountain, enriching the visitor experience.

Popular culture recognizes the park’s charm, as seen in its feature in the 2007 TV drama “Karei-naru Ichizoku.” Komaba Park invites visitors to immerse themselves in a period of refinement, where European style meets Japanese tradition. The park’s largest managed area by Meguro District, covering an expanse of 40,396 square meters, includes the intricately detailed Western-style mansion and the tranquil Japanese-style garden. The Museum of Modern Japanese Literature nearby offers additional insight into Japan’s literary evolution.