Enter a secluded world of designed Japanese elegance in this garden of exotic and native plantings that encircle a serene pond.
Mytoi, on Martha’s Vineyard, is a 14-acre contemplative Japanese-inspired stroll garden that sprang from the sandy pine woodlands of Chappaquiddick. This garden exemplifies a plant collection that stretches our horticultural palette to its most temperate climate. Located adjacent to the Cape Poge and Wasque wildlife refuges, Mytoi stands in rich contrast to the island’s barrier beaches, salt marshes and coastal woodlands.
Between 1958 and 1966, Hugh Jones developed the stroll garden to encourage a moment for pausing, for reflection, and for appreciation of the beauty and highly trained scenery of the Japanese tradition. Almost completely erased by the fierce winds of Hurricane Bob in 1991, the garden re-emerged guided by a master plan from Julie Moir Messervey and two passionate volunteer gardeners.
Today the garden celebrates the rich Japanese gardening traditions of age, renewal and rebirth. Sand, stone and duckboard paths wind through Japanese maples, pines and flowering shrubs carefully trained to articulate the views within the garden. Boundary plantings and edge screening create intimacy and privacy, turning away from the broader scenery of sand and shore that dominate the rest of the island.
Follow winding footpaths through a birch walk, camellia dell, stone garden, and hillside garden. A rustic shelter offers a broad view of the garden and a chance to become immersed in the meditative qualities of the landscape. Benches are located at designated spots along the trails.
Watch this video made by Mytoi volunteers:
Members: FREE, Nonmembers: $5
Open 9am-5pm, daily.
We welcome school and youth groups for experiential educational programs. Please visit our Education Page for details and to initiate a visit request.
Dike Road
Chappaquiddick Island
Martha’s Vineyard, MA 02539
Telephone: 508.693.7662
Email: islands@thetrustees.org
Get directions on Google Maps.
From Edgartown-Chappaquiddick ferry, take Chappaquiddick Road 2.5 mi. At sharp right curve, continue straight onto Dike Road (dirt road) and follow for 0.3 mi. to entrance and parking area (15 cars) on left. Roadside parking not permitted and is strictly enforced.
Free trail map distributed from bulletin board in the parking area. Please understand that supplies periodically run out.
We recommend that you take a photo of the map on your phone so you can refer to it during your visit, or download a trail map before you head out.
With eight Trustees properties to discover on the island, there is something for everyone. Experience unique coastal landscapes, and begin creating treasured memories today.
During the late 1950s, Hugh Jones, an Edgartown resident and architect of Japanese design, began a journey to design the garden that would become Mytoi. Jones was its creator, designer, and caretaker, doing all of the plantings and landscaping himself, until his passing in 1965. His family placed Mytoi Garden in the hands of another Edgartown resident and local conservationist, Mary Wakeman. Mary continued the Japanese design of Mytoi, overseeing its evolution into a beautiful garden that provided the additional benefit of free access to the public.
Had a wonderful walk through with friends. The closer you look, the more little garden secrets you uncover!
– Kathy W, TripAdvisor Reviewer
