[Special] The Ideal Town Envisioned by Eiichi Shibusawa Exploring Denenchofu

We had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Takahisa Tsukiji, a curator at the Ota City Folk Museum, about Eiichi Shibusawa and the creation of Denenchofu.


Eiichi Shibusawa, the father of the modern Japanese economy, sourced from “Portraits of Modern Japanese Historical Figures” at the National Diet Library.
“At the age of 27, Eiichi Shibusawa traveled to Europe as part of the mission to the 1867 Paris Exposition. Accompanying Tokugawa Akitake, the younger brother of Tokugawa Yoshinobu and the leader of the mission, Shibusawa was profoundly influenced by European innovations in corporations, publishing and paper manufacturing, transportation and railways, and townscapes. After returning to Japan, Shibusawa played a significant role in the new Meiji government and went on to establish several modern corporations, including a paper manufacturing company. He retired from active business at 77 and dedicated himself to social and public works,” Mr. Tsukiji explains.


Denenchofu around 1952. The townscape clearly spreads out in concentric circles.
“Post-retirement, Shibusawa turned his attention to urban development. During that period in Japan, it was common for people to live above their shops, but along with rapid industrialization, urban living conditions began to decline. The garden city concept, which originated in England, proposed separating work and residential areas, allowing people to work in the city and live in green, suburban spaces. Shibusawa became the leading promoter of this idea, establishing the Denen Toshi Corporation to create a healthy and safe residential area. This vision led to the development of Denenchofu,” Mr. Tsukiji adds.


The Denenchofu Station building, originally demolished when the station was moved underground, was rebuilt in 2000.
Let’s start our journey at the old Denenchofu Station building. The town’s layout, with streets radiating outwards in concentric circles from the old station building, is said to be inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and its surrounding area.

The rows of ginkgo trees turn vibrantly green in spring and golden in autumn, coloring the town beautifully.
A key feature of the garden city concept is abundant nature that seamlessly blends with the residential environment. Starting southwest along the ginkgo tree-lined street in front of Denenchofu Station, you’ll find Horai Park, known for its beautiful plum and camellia groves.


Horai Park features about 70 species and 1,500 flowers and trees.
Continuing southwest from Horai Park, you’ll reach Tamagawadai Park. Historically known as Tamagawadai, this area of Denenchofu offers a lush green escape. It's a popular spot for birdwatching, with many enthusiasts capturing photos of the diverse bird life amidst the trees.


The Nijibashi Bridge spans the road. The gazebo in the right photo is named Kainantei, after the pen name of Hiroshi Shimomura, who played a key role in creating Tamagawadai Park.
The hilltop view of the Tama River in Tamagawadai Park is a must-see, listed as one of the “Tamagawa Eight Views” selected in 1984.


The Tamagawa Eight Views were sponsored by the Kanto Regional Development Bureau of the Ministry of Construction (now the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism).
This area has long been known for its fertile lands and abundant water resources owing to the Tama River, making it a treasure trove of ancient history. The park is home to the Tamagawadai burial mounds, which includes eight burial mounds, such as the Kamenokoyama Kofun, a keyhole-shaped tomb designated as a national historic site.

The Kofun Exhibition Room includes a section modeled after a passage grave.
The Kofun Exhibition Room in the park is a compact yet comprehensive facility specializing in burial mounds. It features exhibits explaining how these ancient burial mounds were constructed and displays excavated artifacts like clay figures and dolls dressed in period costumes.


The Kofun Exhibition Room, attached to the park management office, offers a fun and educational experience with a schematic cross-section showing how the soil was piled up in the tumulus. You can also compare the size of the tumulus with other ruins around the world.
As you head south from Tamagawadai Park, you’ll find a series of nature locations of interest, including the Aquatic Botanical Garden, the garden that showcases the beauty of all four seasons, and the Hydrangea Garden. Here, you’ll see people taking photos, sketching, and enjoying nature in various ways, making it a perfect place to experience the serene beauty of Denenchofu.


(Left photo) The Hydrangea Garden is home to 3,000 plants of seven different varieties. (Right photo) The Aquatic Botanical Garden is located at the former Chofu Water Purification Plant, which purified water from the Tama River.

Let’s take a short break and enjoy ayuyaki, a beloved local treat. Daikokudou, established in 1929, is a cherished shop also known for demonstrating and selling ningyoyaki at the Kabukiza Theater in Higashi-ginza.


(Left photo) Ayuyaki are priced at 150 yen each. Daikokudo also offers ningyoyaki and Kabuki Kyogon Senbei (kawara senbei). (Right photo) The Ayuyaki soft serve, featuring ayuyaki in soft serve ice cream, is popular at 500 yen. *Prices, inclusive of tax, reflect rates at the time of writing.
“Sweetfish have been caught in the Tama River for centuries, but there are days when none are caught,” says Ms. Yuki Daikoku. “Our founder created ayuyaki as a sweetfish-shaped snack for those days. We carefully pour the batter into molds that have been used since our opening, fill each one with smooth bean paste prepared by a master craftsman, and then finish baking.”


If the timing is right, you can observe the baking process at the storefront.


The shop at its founding and the shopping district in front of the station. Ayuyaki remains a staple in the shop.
With 95 years of history, Daikokudo has created lasting memories for many customers through its time-honored taste. When the store was renovated in 2020, a customer donated a colored pencil drawing of the shop before the renovation. “We owe our success to our loyal customers,” Ms. Daikoku says with a smile.


Ms. Yuki Daikoku and staff member Ms. Muraishi holding a drawing given by a customer in front of the store.

Opened in 2021, with a new sports facility scheduled to open on November 17, 2024.
Our next and last stop is Seseragi Park, which was once the site of Tamagawaen, an amusement park. Seseragikan, designed by the renowned architect Kengo Kuma, was built to enhance local culture and serve as a community space. The design allows visitors to experience the park’s natural beauty, featuring water and greenery, from inside the building.


Inside Seseragikan, you’ll find a library service section, a multipurpose room available by reservation, and a meeting room.
The new restaurant fu-haku, located next door, opened in April 2024 and quickly became a hit, with customers flocking in as soon as it opens at 8:30 a.m.


(Left photo) fu-haku Plate starting at 1,000 yen (Right photo) fu-haku Curry 800 yen (extra large +350 yen) with Tamagawa Tonkatsu 600 yen

Curator Mr. Tsukiji shared his thoughts on the allure of Denenchofu.
“While Eiichi Shibusawa championed the garden city concept, the true charm of Denenchofu lies in the dedication of its residents and their love for the community.”


Mr. Takahisa Tsukiji, curator at the Ota City Folk Museum

What did you think of our Denenchofu tour? It’s a place where you can explore local history, enjoy nature, and immerse yourself in the unique character of the area.

There are many more attractive places in Ota City. Try finding your own place that you can recommend Ota City for. If you find your favorite, please make sure to post on SNS. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #uniqueota!

Ota City promotion website “Unique Ota” delivers information about the appeal of Ota City with the keywords “a town where you can encounter unique locations unlike anywhere else, which can only be found in Ota City.”

We encourage you to dig deep to find the contents you are interested in. Check back soon for the next edition!