Yamamototei

Overview

Yamamototei is a beautiful modern Japanese-style residence built in the 1920s, located in Shibamata, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo. Currently owned by Katsushika City, it is open to the public. Originally the home of Einosuke Yamamoto, the former head of a camera parts manufacturing company, Yamamototei underwent several renovations from the late Taisho to early Showa periods. This resulted in a striking fusion of traditional Japanese and Western architectural styles. The building seamlessly blends traditional elements such as shoin-zukuri style (including tokonoma alcoves, chigai-dana tiered shelves, akari-shoji translucent paper screens, and ranma transoms), a sukiya-style ceiling, and a storehouse with a stone base and white plaster upper walls, with early Showa-era Western influences including a marble mantelpiece, parquet flooring with mosaic patterns, stained-glass windows, and glass pendant lighting. The shoin garden is a lush, pond-style stroll garden. The pond, artificial hills, and waterfall, all positioned near the veranda, create a calming atmosphere. The spacious garden offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. A visit to Yamamototei offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the wealthy during that era and the evolution of architectural styles. Its proximity to the Tora-san Memorial Museum makes it a perfect addition to any Shibamata sightseeing itinerary.