The garden stands on the grounds of what was once Shoren-ji, a temple founded during the Heian period by the monk Gien.
The Shoren-ji temple was dismantled in the late 19th century, leaving behind stone lanterns and temple foundations that remain in the garden today.
The garden features the Matsuren-an, a historic tea house that was relocated from the residence of the Tokugawa family in Kamakura.
Several plum trees in the garden are designated as notable specimens, including those grafted from historic trees with specific poetic names.
The garden's layout is intentionally designed to reflect the aesthetic principles of 'borrowed scenery,' incorporating the surrounding hillside into the garden's vistas.
The garden serves as a significant habitat for various bird species in the Tama area due to its dense, maintained vegetation.
The park is maintained specifically to host the Plum Blossom Festival, which occurs annually when the trees peak in late winter.
Keio Mogusaen is a traditional Japanese garden situated on a hillside in Hino, Tokyo, formerly the site of the ancient Shoren-ji Temple. The garden is managed by the Keio Corporation and features a collection of over 500 plum trees representing 50 distinct varieties. Its landscape incorporates steep topography, a central pond, and preserved structures relocated from historical sites. The grounds include the 'Matsuren-an' tea house, a thatched-roof building originally constructed in the Edo period. Visitors can explore winding pathways that navigate varying elevations to provide elevated views over the surrounding Tama region. The garden maintains a collection of rare plants, including the 'Gishou-bai' plum, which is considered a landmark specimen within the park. It functions as a preserved cultural space that highlights seasonal botanical displays within the urbanized landscape of western Tokyo.
The elevated viewing platform near the hilltop offers the best panoramic angle of the pond and plum grove.
Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the garden features steep, uneven stone staircases and natural paths.
Bring a bottle of water, as the elevated sections of the garden lack commercial vending options.
Carry small change for the automated ticketing machines, as digital payment acceptance can be limited.
Do not attempt to traverse the steeper hillside sections if you have limited mobility, as there are no handrails or elevators.
Generally closed on Wednesdays, except when a public holiday falls on that day.
Refrain from stepping off designated pathways to protect the soil and plant roots; quiet conduct is expected.
