About
In a quiet corner of Nakano Ward, Tokyo, there is a special place where philosophy and nature are in harmony. This is Tetsugakudo Park, founded in 1904 by the philosopher Enryo Inoue. The park is dotted with buildings and gardens that visually express philosophical concepts, offering visitors a time for deep contemplation.
Standing at the entrance to the park is the “Gate of Philosophy,” a gate symbolizing the boundary between the material and spiritual worlds. On either side of the gate are wooden statues of a tengu and a ghost, with the tengu representing the mysteries of the material world and the ghost expressing the mysteries of the spiritual world. Passing through this gate marks the beginning of a journey from the everyday into the world of philosophy.
Beyond the gate, there is a plaza called “Hill of Time and Space.” At its center stands the “Hall of Four Sages,” enshrining the four philosophers Confucius, Shakyamuni, Socrates, and Kant. Inside the hall is a stone pillar called the “Chanting Tower,” inscribed with “Namu Zettai Mugen Son” (“Homage to the Absolutely Infinite”), indicating the pursuit of philosophy. The ceiling is decorated with symbols representing spirit and matter, encouraging visitors to engage in deep thought.
Near the Hall of Four Sages towers the vermilion, three-storied, hexagonal building called the “Pavilion of Six Wise Men.” Here, six wise men of the East—Prince Shotoku, Michizane Sugawara, Zhuangzi, Zhu Xi, Nagarjuna, and Kapila—are enshrined. Inside the building are items and photographs collected by Enryo Inoue, offering glimpses into his philosophical thought and unique design sensibility.
Elsewhere in the park, there are other buildings with philosophical names, such as the “Three Studies Pavilion,” the “Cosmos Hall,” and the “Castle of the Absolute.” These structures, shaped by Enryo Inoue’s philosophical ideas and unconventional designs, have become representative buildings of Tetsugakudo Park.
In spring, about 100 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura, bloom in profusion, making the park one of the city’s leading flower-viewing spots and attracting many visitors. During cherry blossom season, the “Tetsugakudo Cherry Blossom Festival” is held, where people can also enjoy local beer. The park is also equipped with sports facilities such as a baseball field, tennis courts, and an archery range, making it a beloved place of relaxation for the local community.
Tetsugakudo Park is a unique space where philosophy and nature are fused, offering visitors a time of deep contemplation and healing. Why not step away from everyday life and enjoy a journey of the mind in this place imbued with the thought and passion of Enryo Inoue?