Check out these articles
-
Video article 3:30
Shigeru Tonomura Residence” in Higashiomi City, Shiga Prefecture is a recommended sightseeing spot where you can enjoy the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture! Learn about the life of Japanese people in those days in the beautiful old private house and Japanese garden nurtured by the long history!
Art & ArchitectureTravel- 100 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- 167 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- 66 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:02
The Otani Museum in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, which resembles an underground temple, is full of attractions! Watch a video of this mysterious space, which has been used as a filming location for numerous movies and TV dramas!
TravelArt & Architecture- 73 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:29
The Former Daijoin Temple Garden - Take a Stroll in the Beautiful Garden Near Nara Hotel... Highlights of the Scenic Garden, Loved by Court Nobles and Shoguns Since Japan's Heian Period!
Living Things- 40 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:13
The War-Torn "Takechi Maru" Reborn as a Breakwater! Exploring the History of the Takechi Maru, a Ship That Watches Over the People as a Guardian Deity of the Sea!
Art & Architecture- 37 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 16:34
From Hokkaido in the North to Okinawa in the South, 160 of Japan's Amazing Castles! An Introduction to Japanese Castles From All Periods, From Ancient Times to the Edo Period!
History- 32 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:22
Okazaki Castle in Aichi Prefecture – A Base of Tokugawa Ieyasu, One of the Three Unifiers of Japan! Discover the History of Japan in a City Deified as the Birthplace of the Gods!
Art & ArchitectureHistory- 132 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 4:04
The Former Kacho-no-Miya Residence Is a Popular Tourist Spot in Kamakura With a Scenic French-Style Garden and Room for Tea Ceremony. It Has Been the Setting for Famous Dramas as Well! Check Out This Video on the History of the Kachonomiya Family and Their Garden in Kanagawa Prefecture!
Art & Architecture- 105 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 the "Former Iwasaki Residence Garden" in Taito-ku, Tokyo?
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 3:32
Climbing the 1015 stone steps of "Hoshuzan Risshakuji Temple" in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, one is met with a spectacular view. The temple, built on a precipitous cliff, is a scenic spot where Matsuo Basho, the famous haiku poet, wrote a poem!
Art & Architecture Travel- 346 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- 541 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 2:11
Lifelike Goldfish Art That Looks Like It Could Come to Life Any Second! Goldfish Artist "Riusuke Fukahori" Shows Us How He Creates His Beautiful Works of Art!
Art & Architecture- 580 plays
- YouTube
-
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- 913 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 6:27
Nagoya Castle - Discover the Secrets of Japan's First National Treasure Symbolized by Golden Shachihoko Ornaments in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture! The Castle, Built on the Site Where the Warring States Period Took a Remarkable Turn, Is Reborn!
Art & Architecture History Travel- 195 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- 940 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- 692 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 19:29
A young thatch-roofing craftsman preserves the gassho-zukuri tradition in Shirakawa-go, Ono-gun, Gifu Prefecture! World Cultural Heritage buildings filled with the wisdom of our ancestors are created by the high skills of craftsmen.
Art & Architecture Traditional Culture- 559 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 5:19
Haruna Shrine - A Shinto Shrine and Power Spot in Gunma With Ancient Cedar Trees and Mysterious Rock Formations. Absorb the Power of the Earth via Video!
Art & Architecture- 226 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:33
Aizuwakamatsu Castle: One of Japan’s Top 100 Castles. Enjoy the Magnificent Stone Walls of the Impregnable Castle and the Red-Tiled Castle Tower in Fukushima- The Only One of Its Kind in Japan!
Art & Architecture Travel- 245 plays
- YouTube
-
Video article 3:00
The World Created by Miniature Photographer Tatsuya Tanaka Will Make You Feel Like You've Been Shrunk and Wandered Into a Magical World! His World of Miniatures and Amazing Ideas Will Have You Fascinated!
Art & Architecture- 355 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- 429 plays
- YouTube
Comment