Garyu Sanso

Overview

Garyu Sanso is a mountain villa built in the Meiji era by Torajiro Kawachi, a businessman. Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it was designed by Shinbei Yagi, a Kyoto-based tea room architect, and boasts exceptionally luxurious construction for its time. The Sukiya-style building is meticulously crafted, with exquisite detail in the latticework, ceilings, and other features. The Kiyobue room in the Goryuin building is particularly impressive, with latticework that evokes the flow of water and a high ceiling crafted from Yakusugi cedar. The Isse room strongly reflects the style of Katsura Rikyu, while the Kasumizuki room features a single-plank Sendai pine panel along its edge. Each room demonstrates remarkable ingenuity. The garden, which uses the Hijikawa River as a borrowed landscape, creates a beautiful space in harmony with nature. Within the garden, stepping stones incorporate millstones and decorative stones, while various trees such as Japanese cedar, Japanese elm, and Japanese maple, along with rare moss species, showcase the richness of the natural environment. Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in the fall. Garyu Sanso is a captivating tourist spot that allows visitors to experience history, culture, and the beauty of nature. Be sure to visit!