【Tokyo Park Guide】 I visited "Tokyo Metropolitan Roka Koshun-en," where you can enter the residence of a literary giant, Tokutomi Roka, in Setagaya, Tokyo.

If you live around Tokyo, you may have heard of Rokakuen at least once. The literary giant Tokutomi Roka is the origin of that place name. I heard that his former residence remains in "Tokyo Metropolitan Roka Koshun-en," so I stopped by.

About a 15-minute walk from Keio Line's Rokakuen Station

When driving in the city, you often see the characters "Rokakuen." Just the other day, I became curious and searched for it, and it seems that "Roka" in Rokakuen comes from the literary giant Tokutomi Roka (1868-1927), who was active during the Meiji and Taisho eras. Furthermore, within the premises of "Roka Koshun-en" located in Setagaya, Tokyo, his former residence where he lived with his wife is still preserved intact.

So, this week's park exploration is decided to be at "Tokyo Metropolitan Roka Koshun-en"! I thought it was called Rokakuen, but the real name is Roka Koshun-en. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the nearest station, Keio Line's Rokakuen Station, but there is also a paid parking lot available.

An area where you can feel the presence of Tokutomi Roka

Upon entering through the main gate, I immediately saw a stone monument marked "Former Residence of Tokutomi Roka." The park is beautifully maintained, creating a cozy atmosphere. Since it was a weekday during the day, it appears there was only one other couple besides the author. It seems like I can take my time exploring.

As I walked further into the premises, my eyes were drawn to this bamboo grove. It was so expansive that it couldn't fit into this photo, and I was captivated by the thought that there is such a magnificent bamboo grove in the city... When I looked at the official site, it said that this was planted by Tokutomi Roka. In this era of Reiwa, I am moved to feel his presence.

Next, I visited the Rokakuen Memorial Museum, where his works and other exhibits are displayed.

As I continued further, I found Tokutomi Roka's former residence. It seems that some renovation work has been done at some point, but it remains quite beautiful.

"Oh, so he lived in a house like this," I pondered, when I discovered a cat. I wonder if it lives in this park. After returning home, I did a little research and found out that Tokutomi Roka had a beloved cat named Toto. I can feel traces of him everywhere, which is quite a strange feeling.

"Sorry for startling you," I said as I was about to leave, and the cat slowly walked in front of me. I thought, "Is it running away?" but it seemed to be waiting, occasionally looking back or sitting down. Was it guiding me?

At a fork in the path, I said goodbye to the cat. My heart was somehow refreshed. After I saw the cat's back, I turned my eyes to the left and found Baika Shoya.

Right next to it was the main house, which allows you to enter the former residence. Admission is free, and the opening hours are from 9 AM to 4 PM.

Having walked from the station, I thought I could use a little break when I discovered a covered resting spot.

Sitting here, I can comfortably gaze over the former residence of Tokutomi Roka. With a roof over it, it seems like it will be comfortable even if the temperature rises further.

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