Momijien Garden and Tomoegaoka Villa

The Takahashi family built Tomoegaoka Villa in 1896 and planted about 400 trees around it, many of which are now over 150 years old. In 1989 the estate became the public Momijien garden, named for its Japanese maples brought from Kyoto. The five maple species include classic Acer palmatum, which turns red in mid-November when the garden holds its Maple Festival with evening illuminations. The cherry trees here were among the first Yoshino cherries planted in Niigata Prefecture as an experiment to test cold-climate survival. The Takakugura Cafe occupies a converted traditional storehouse near the entrance. Open daily except Wednesdays, April through November.