Just outside of Ueno Park is an architectural gem designed by Josiah Condor in 1896 called Kyu-Iwasaki-tei 旧岩崎邸庭園. It is the manor house of the Iwasaki family, who founded Mitsubishi. Originally there were 20 buildings on the property, but now there are only three which have survived the wars, earthquakes, and occupation of the Japanese Government. The garden is basically a lawn ringed by trees.
Iwasaki Gardens
The main house is a two-story wooden structure that would be at home in Jacobean England. It was used for entertaining guests and celebrating formal occasions in Western style. The woodwork and heavily textured wallpapers are beautifully restored, with hints of Islamic influence. Attached to the main house is a Japanese residence designed by Kijuro Okawa. It is where the family spent most of their time, though the current building is reduced from the original size.
Park : Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens
The final building is a log-cabin style billiard hall. Though free-standing, it is connected by an underground passage to the main house. The Swiss chalet design is extremely rare in Japan. The juxtaposition of these buildings gives a glimpse into the lives of a wealthy family in the flux of change in the Meiji Era.
Kyu-Iwasaki-Tei Gardens
Kyu-Iwasaki-tei is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is 400 yen. Seniors 65 and older are 200 yen and elementary school and younger are free. The house is a 3-minute walk from the Tokyo Metro Yushima Station exit #1, which serves the Chiyoda line.
Park : Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens
For more information: http://teien.tokyo-park.or.jp/en/kyu-iwasaki/index.html
photos by:
kanegen &
ivva,
mitch59,
ivva
