Takarashi Family Garden

Overview

The Takarashi Family Garden is a traditional Japanese garden located in Kamigawara, Noda City, Chiba Prefecture. Built by the Takarashi family, wealthy farmers who made their fortune in soy sauce brewing during the late Edo period, it's designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty and is also recognized as a Modern Industrial Heritage site. The Takarashi family served as the headmen of Kamigawara village throughout the Edo period, and tradition holds that they began soy sauce production on the current estate grounds in 1661 (Kanbun 1). As Noda, located near the Edo River and thus benefiting from convenient transportation, grew as a center for soy sauce production in the late Edo period, the Takarashi family rose as a central player in this industry. The Takarashi Family Garden is a testament to the wealth generated by this soy sauce industry, unique to the Shimousa region. The estate is situated on the edge of a terrace overlooking the Edo River to the west, with a moat curving around its western edge. The residence faces east, with a gatehouse dating from 1766 (Meiwa 3) located midway along the approach from the main gate to the entrance hall. The central part of the residence is a Sukiya-style study built in 1806 (Bunka 3), and the main building complex connected to it underwent successive renovations from the late Meiji period, with the current structure being completed in the early Showa period. According to family records, a garden centered around a pond and stream was created in front of the study during the late Edo period. However, following renovations to the main building complex in the Meiji period and later, the moat, stone walls, etc., were arranged while respecting the original Edo-era layout of the residence. This suggests that new features were added to the garden as well. The Takarashi family residence retains the atmosphere of a wealthy farmer's house from this region in the late Edo period. The arrangement of the moat, stone walls, study, main residence, and gatehouse reveals valuable insights into the location, environment, and layout of the residence and its relationship with the garden. Further, successive additions and renovations of the main building and teahouse from the late Meiji to the early Showa periods introduced modern designs to both the architecture and the garden. These elements blend exceptionally well with the Edo-era layout and environment, creating a unique landscape. The current view from the front of the study is simple and uncluttered, featuring a spacious lawn with only stepping stones, a feature also common in other modern gardens. The teahouse, "Chōshūan," located near the moat and stone walls, likely offered a view of the Edo River, reflecting the estate's original layout and location. Simultaneously, the belt of oak and zelkova trees lining the moat in the rear has formed the backdrop to the study's forecourt since the Edo period, symbolizing the overall appearance of the estate within its surroundings. The layout of the outer spaces, including the study's front garden, moat, stone walls, and teahouse, makes excellent use of the location. This is a precious garden in this region, formed through the fusion of the Edo-era layout and modern elements. Its aesthetic and academic value are both high. Please visit the Takarashi Family Garden and experience the beautiful scenery woven from history and nature.