Yakushi-ike Park | Shikisai no Mori | 薬師池公園

Intro to Yakushi-ike Park

Come enjoy an Edo era Japanese style garden in Machida city, Tokyo. Yakushi-ike Park has flowers blossoming every season, two old commoner houses, and a large pond. It is perfect for a tranquil stroll and to see how Japanese people lived a little while ago.

Information

Address:

3270 Nozuta-machi, Machida-shi
Contact:

042-724-4399
Open hours:

6am – 6pm (Jun. – Aug. 6am – 7pm)*Parking available on the same schedule.
Closed:

Open 365 days
Entrance fee:

Free of charge

Flower Calendar

Late Feb. – late Mar. : Japanese apricot
Mar. – May. : Camellia
Early – late April : Cherry
Late Apr. – Early May : Wisteria
End of May – late Jun. : Japanese iris
Late May – late Jul. : Hydrangea
Latter Jul. – mid Aug. : Lotus
Late Nov. – mid-Dec. : Autumn leaves
End of Dec. – late Feb. : Yukitsuri (supporting ropes tied to trees to protect from the snow)

Table of Contents

1. Background and History of Yakushi-ike Park
2. Features and Sights to See
2.1 Old civilian houses
2.2 Rest area
2.3 Area surrounding the pond

Background and History of Yakushi-ike Park

In 1982 Yakushi-Ike Park was listed as one o Tokyo’s Top 100 Views and went on to be designated a Tokyo Metropolitan Place of Scenic Beauty in 1998. During 2007 the park was chosen to represent Machida City as one of Japan’s Top 100 Historical Parks. The central pond in the park is surrounded by plum, camellia, maple and cherry trees, along with irises, lotuses, and other lush greenery, allowing you to enjoy the colors of all four seasons. You can also experience a taste of the Edo period by visiting one of the two period houses, the Former Nagai House and the Former Ogino House.

Features and Sights to See at Yakushi-ike Park

Old Commoner Houses

You can get a feel for life during the Edo period by visiting one of the two period houses that were relocated to the park (the Former Nagai Family Residence and the Former Ogino Family Residence).

Yakushi-ike Park, Tokyo Metropolitan Gardens, An old style Japanes Gardens, An old style Japanese building with a thatched roof surrounded by autumn foliage.

Resting Area

The resting area beside the pond, Yakushi-Chaya tea house, sells sweet sake, green tea, sweet dumplings, and other snacks. Yakushi-ike Park retains the essence of its Edo period origins with not just Sights, but also foods!

Area surrounding the pond of Yakushi-ike Park

You can enjoy the flowers and scenery all year round.

Yakushi-ike Park, Tokyo Metropolitan Gardens, View of autumn trees and large pond with some tall buildings in the background.

About the Author

Pjechorin

I have lived and worked with my family in Japan since 2005. For many years I have been interested in the very practical and creative side of Japanese culture. In my free time I travel around, enjoy hiking in the countryside and cities, and just generally seeing and doing new things. This blog is primarily a way for me to focus my energies and record and teach others about what I have learned by experience constructively. I am interested in urban development, and sustainable micro-economics, especially home-economics, and practical things everyday families can do to survive and thrive through these changing times.