Architectural, Cultural sights in Japan
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A
Clover Garden
At the southern end of Nagasaki, some former homes of the city's pioneering Meiji period European residents have been reassembled in this hillside garden. The series of moving stairways up the hill, along with the koi ponds and fountains, gives it the air of a cultural theme park (ever popular in Japan). The stylish houses are the main draw here, along with the interesting history and superb views across Nagasaki.
The garden takes its name from Thomas Glover (1838-1911), whose arms-importing operations played an important part in the Meiji Restoration; he built the first train line in Japan and he helped establish the country's first modern shipyard.
The best way to explor…
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B
Sumiya Pleasure House
Shimabara, a district northwest of Kyoto Station, was Kyoto’s original pleasure quarters. At its peak during the Edo period (1600–1867) the area flourished, with more than 20 enormous ageya – magnificent banquet halls where artists, writers and statesmen gathered in a ‘floating world’ ambience of conversation, art and fornication. Geisha were often sent from their okiya (living quarters) to entertain patrons at these restaurant-cum-brothels. By the start of the Meiji period, however, such activities had drifted north to the Gion district and Shimabara had lost its prominence. Though the traditional air of the district has dissipated, a few old structures remain.…
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Tsūen-jaya
Another stop for a taste of Uji’s famed green tea is Tsūen-jaya, located just across from the station. Japan’s oldest surviving tea shop, Tsūen-jaya has been in the Tsūen family for more than 830 years. The present building, near Uji-bashi, dates from 1672 and is full of interesting antiques. You can try fresh matcha (powered green tea), including a sweet, for ¥680.
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Dr Siebold's House
Near Shin-Nakagawamachi tram stop is the site of Dr Siebold's house, an imposing Western-style structure, set in a leafy residential neighbourhood of narrow lanes and flower boxes. The doctor helped introduce Western medicine and scientific learning to Japan between 1823 and 1829, though he was eventually expelled for trying to smuggle Japanese goods. His daughter Ine was one of Japan's first female obstetricians.
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C
Imanishike Shoin
Imanishike Shoin is a lovely old house dating to the Muromachi period and is built in the shoin, or library, style. There are a few small gardens here that are well framed by the house itself. Tea is served here. If you are a fan of sake, stop in next door at the Imanishi Seibei Shōten, an old sake merchant where you can sample five kinds of sake at a reasonable price.
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D
Asakura Chōso Museum
The primary work of sculptor Asakura Fumio (1883-1964) consisted of realistic sculptures of people and cats, but the real attractions are the Japanese house, studio and garden, designed by the artist himself. Upstairs in the Morning Sun Room and the Poised Mind Room are some excellent ink scrolls and beautiful old tansu (wooden chests).
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E
Shinise Kinenkan
Towards the Sai-gawa, Shinise Kinenkan offers a peek at a former pharmacy and, upstairs, a moderate assortment of local traditional products. If the flowering tree made entirely of candy gives you a sweet tooth, slake it at Murakami, a handsome wagashi (Japanese candy) shop next to the Nomura samurai house.
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F
Glover House
The house takes its name from Thomas Glover (1838-1911), whose arms-importing operations played an important part in the Meiji Restoration; he built the first train line in Japan and he helped establish the country's first modern shipyard. The place is nestled in hillside Clover garden.
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Seison-Kaku Villa
Back in Kenroku-en is this stylish retirement villa, Seison-Kaku Villa, built by a Maeda lord for his mother in 1863. It's worth a visit for the elegant chambers and furnishings. A detailed English-language pamphlet is provided.
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Former British Consulate
The Meiji-era former British Consulate building of 1906 has an interesting façade, and there's a small museum inside with the consul's desk still in place. There's a unique coffee house at the rear.
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Koshashin-shiryōkan
This has has a collection of vintage photographs concerned with the Dutch houses and buildings and Japan's early interest in the West (including a rare one of the Meiji-era hero Sakamoto Ryoma).
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Rinkaku
On the Tsuruga-jō castle grounds, Rinkaku is an evocative, 400-year-old teahouse that was rescued from the castle's destruction by a local family and returned here in 1990.
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Shiki-dō
Just south of Matsuyama City station in the temple grounds of Shoshu-ji is Shiki-dō, a replica of the humble house of the legendary haiku poet Shiki Masaoka (1867-1902).
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Maizō-shiryōkan
In the Dutch slopes area, this has archaeological artefacts. 'Oranda-zaka' comes from the name foreigners were given: Oranda-san, people from Holland.
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Fukusaya Castella Cake Shop
Amongst the new restaurants sits this old stalwart, in business since 1624, and a must for history buffs and those with a taste for Japanese sweets.
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Shima
One famous, traditional former geisha house is Shima; note the case of elaborate combs and shamisen picks; it dates from 1820.
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Kaikarō
Kaikarō is an early-19th-century geisha house refinished with contemporary fittings and art including a red lacquered staircase.
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Nomura Samurai House
Nomura Samurai House, though partly transplanted from outside Kanazawa, is worth a visit for its decorative garden.
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Fukusaya Castella Cake Shop
Amongst the new restaurants sits this old stalwart, in business since 1624, and a must for history buffs and those with a taste for Japanese sweets.
reviewed
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Former Prefectural Hall & Official Guest House
Tenjin has historic Western-style buildings, like the 1910 Former Prefectural Hall & Official Guest House in Tenjin Chūō-kōen.
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