Check out these articles
-
Video article 3:30
The Tonomura Shigeru House In Shiga Prefecture Is a Popular Sightseeing Destination Where You Can Enjoy the Beauty Of Japan's Traditional Architecture! Learn About Japanese Life In the Late 1800's Through the Beautiful, Historical House and Traditional Garden
Art & ArchitectureTravel- 51 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:57
Step Into Odawara Castle and Journey Back in Time to the Warring States Period! A Look at the Castle Overflowing With History in Odawara, Kanagawa; It Might Just Bring Out the Warrior in You!
Art & ArchitectureTravelHistory- 121 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:16
Tokyo Kaikan - The 100-Year-Old World-Class Venue for Social Gatherings Has Been Renovated! The Newly-Reborn Tokyo Kaikan Welcomes Guests From Around the World With the Finest Hospitality!
Art & Architecture- 34 plays
- YouTube
Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens: The Beautiful Building in Taito City, Tokyo That Left Its Mark on the Architectural History of Japan. This Is Where Japan's Modern Architectural Culture Began!
What is Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens?
This video, titled "Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens – Area Information|Video Website|Machi Log," introduces Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens, a wooden, European-style building that was built more than 120 years ago in 1896 (year 29 of Meiji), for the founder of Mitsubishi, Hisaya Iwasaki.
Due to the dissolution of the zaibatsu, as directed by SCAP after the war, the Iwasaki Family residence was requisitioned and they lost much of the buildings and garden; however it was later returned to the Japanese government. Presently, there are 3 buildings left, the Western-style building (main building), the billiard room, and the Japanese-style building. They are designated as important cultural properties.
The building itself was designed by the Englishman, Josiah Conder. An authentic, wooden, Western-style 2 story building with a basement was very rare at the time and it is said to have eventually had a large influence on modern day Japanese housing.
All of the Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens is open to the public as a metropolitan garden, and there is also a café there so it's teeming with people during lunchtime or seasons in which you can see the cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.
The elegant Western-style building is also used for filming many TV dramas and movies thanks to its beautiful appearance.
The Highlights of Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens
There are so many points of interest at Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens that we couldn't possibly cover them in one go.
The architecture of the semi-Western mansion representing the wealthy of the Meiji era (1868-1912) immediately after the opening of the country, is considered to be a very modern style even by present-day standards. When you enter the house, the decorations, including vines wrapping around the wooden columns, catch one's eyes immediately. This particular design is called Jacobian-style architecture and was very popular in 19th century England.
This can be seen from 1:10 in the video.
The wooden billiards room is designed in the style of a Swiss mountain hut, which was rare in Japan at that time. The Japanese-style building, which was used by Hisaya Iwasaki, was decorated with screen paintings by the great Japanese artist, Masakuni Hashimoto.
The billiards room can be seen at 1:58, and the Japanese-style building can be seen at 2:33 in the video.
Finally, the greatest highlight of Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens is the rose garden that colors the entire lawn.
In autumn, the Autumn Festival is held, and the scent of its roses fill the entire Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens, captivating the many visitors.
On the other hand, the serene Japanese-style garden has the look of a traditional Japanese garden, with garden stones, lanterns, and artificial miniature hills. At tea ceremonies, you can enjoy tea and Japanese confectioneries while enjoying the scenic nature of the seasons at the beautiful Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens.
The Tumultuous History of Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens
Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens is located at Ikenohata 1-chome, Taito-ku, Tokyo, where the residence of the Takada Domain was located in the Edo period (1603-1868).
After the Meiji Restoration, due to the abolition of feudal domains and the establishment of prefectures in 1871, the Takada Domain was dissolved and it became the property of the former Maizuru clan governor, Sukeshige Makino. However, it was bought by Yataro Iwasaki who was part of a zaibatsu, and the 3rd generation head of that family, Hisaya Iwasaki, built Kyu-Iwasaki-tei.
After the war, the zaibatsu were dissolved by SCAP, the building became government controlled, and was managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. It is indeed a monument that has survived a tumultuous history to the present day.
Summary of Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens
Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens, the foundation of Japan's modern architecture, is currently undergoing restoration work on the lawn and is partly off-limits as of April 2020.
Tours are still taking place; however, so why not visit Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens and get a taste of Japanese history?
Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Garden, a pillar of Japanese architectural history, is where Japan's modern architectural culture began.
◆Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens|Facility Overview ◆
【Address】1-3-45 Ikenohata, Taito Ward, Tokyo 110-0008
【Access】A 3-minute walk from Yushima Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line (~10-minute walk from Shinobazu lake)
walk from Shinobazu Pond)
【Admission Fee】General ¥400, Seniors over 65 ¥200, free for elementary school students and below and junior high school students who reside or attend school in Tokyo, and various discount rates such as group discounts
【Hours】9:00~16:30
【Closures】End of the Year, New Year’s Holiday
【Parking】Not available
【Telephone Number】03-3823-8340
【Official Website】Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens|Let’s go to the park!
https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index035.html
【Tripadvisor】Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066461-d321036-Reviews-Kyu_Iwasakitei_Teien-Taito_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html
AccessMap (Google Maps)
-
Video article 3:04
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine: The Setting for a Popular Anime, This Shrine in Kumamoto Prefecture Is a Must-See for Anime Fans. Enjoy the Mystical Atmosphere That Will Transport You to Another World!
Art & Architecture Travel- 236 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:58
Hill of the Buddha - A New Attraction in Sapporo, Hokkaido Designed by a World-Famous Architect. Come Check Out the Buddha as He Pokes His Head Out From a Hill Surrounded by Lavenders!
Art & Architecture Travel- 142 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 1:39
Koji Yamami - The #1 Japanese Kaleidoscope Artist. His Beautiful Works, Made With Light and Mirrors, Will Take Your Breath Away!
Art & Architecture- 163 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:23
The Various Expressions of the Five Hundred Rakan Statues at Rakan-ji Temple in Oda, Shimane. "Gohyaku-Rakan," a Constituent of Shimane's World Heritage Site "Iwami Ginzan," Is a Mysterious Tourist Attraction With More Than 250 Years of History!
Art & Architecture Travel- 82 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:00
Miwa Komatsu - A Look at the Japanese Artist's Passionate Performances!
Art & Architecture Festivals & Events- 199 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:14
Saruhashi Bridge - Stunning Japanese Architecture and Beautiful Autumn Leaves. Check Out One of the Three Most Unusual Bridges in Japan in Yamanashi Prefecture!
Art & Architecture- 221 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:22
Amazing Aerial Footage of "Sekiguchi Catholic Church, St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo," Taken by Drone! A Look at the Beautiful Church in Bunkyo City, Tokyo Designed by Kenzo Tange!
Art & Architecture- 331 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:06
The Popular Artist Takashi Murakami’s Works Are Impressive Pop-Art Pieces That Captivate the Hearts of People Around the World! Who Is Takashi Murakami? A Look at His Famous Works and Awards!
Art & Architecture Japanese Celebrities- 45 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:31
A Close Look At the Master Craftsmanship of Japan's Temple & Shrine Carpenters! Discover the Amazing Traditional Japanese Technique of Building Without Using Nails
Art & Architecture Traditional Culture- 430 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:02
Hamamatsu Castle, Built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, Made a Name for Itself in the Warring States Period as a Castle of Prominence. Discover the History of the Former Ruler at Hamamatsu Castle in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka!
Art & Architecture- 133 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 19:29
Japan's Skilled Thatchers Work Hard To Preserve the Traditional "Gassho-zukuri" Architecture of Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage Site in Gifu Prefecture. The Large Houses, Built by Highly Skilled Craftsmen, Use Techniques That Have Been Passed Down for Generations
Art & Architecture Traditional Culture- 188 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:08
A Look at Sensoji Temple With No Visitors in Sight! Be Whisked Away by the Mystical Aura of Sensoji Temple at Night!
Art & Architecture- 69 plays
- YouTube
Comment