Nanushinotaki Park

This park was originally a garden on the private residence of the Hatano Family, who were village headmen (nanushi). They shared the garden with the public, including the waterfalls, as a summer retreat. This is why the waterfalls are called Nanushi no Taki (waterfalls of the village headman). During the late-19th century, ownership of the garden changed to trader Tokusaburo Kakiuchi. He modified it by adding stones, planting maple trees and creating artificial gorges to make it resemble his beloved Shiobara in Tochigi; it became a sophisticated landscape garden. Now a municipal park in Kita Ward, Tokyo, it features thick forest and natural springs besides waterfalls. Of the four falls, Otoko-daki, the largest, is a magnificent scene with water falling eight meters. The water is so transparent that you can clearly see the stream bed. You can also enjoy seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms in spring, maple leaves in autumn, and camellias in winter. Wild-bird watching events are also held here. A ten-minute walk from JR Oji Station on the Saikyo Line.