The Former Sei-sei Residence Hii Villa is a villa built in the Taisho era by entrepreneur Sei-sei Hakuai on a hilltop overlooking Beppu Bay. Sei-sei Hakuai made his fortune managing the Mabue Gold Mine in Yamaka-machi, Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture. In constructing the villa, he incorporated the latest technologies while pursuing the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture. The mansion is a complex of wooden Sukiya-style buildings. The entrance platform, the tokonoma (alcove) in the sitting rooms, the tsukeshoin (attached study), shelves, and the ranma (transom) between rooms all showcase traditional styles and techniques dating back to the Edo period. The garden borrows the scenery of Beppu Bay and Takasakiyama, featuring beautifully arranged ponds, stonework, and plants. The garden also includes eight commemorative trees planted by members of the Imperial family, adding to its historical significance. Cherry blossoms abound in spring, and the autumn foliage is stunning, offering seasonal beauty throughout the year. The Former Sei-sei Residence Hii Villa is a tranquil and beautiful space where history and nature harmonize.
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