Guide
Located in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture, the Modo Family Garden is an extraordinary space that encapsulates Japanese history and aesthetic sensibilities. The most striking feature of this garden is the seamless integration of a grand architectural complex developed during the Meiji era with a vast pond garden designed to mimic the scenery of Lake Biwa, all while resting on a history that dates back to the Kamakura period. The grounds cover approximately 8,000 tsubo (about 26,450 m2), allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of a traditional Japanese stroll garden. Its exclusivity is part of its charm, as it is only open to the public during specific periods in spring and autumn.
The history of this site is profound, with records suggesting its origins as a hermitage during the Kamakura period. During the Muromachi period, it served as the residence of the Yabe clan, vassals to the Oda family, and was known as "Eno-okuden." In the Edo period, around 1686, it was developed by the merchant-official of the Kuwana Clan and became known as the "Yamada Choja Residence." In 1884 (Meiji 17), the Modo family purchased the estate, subsequently adding the main residence, Western-style buildings, and the Shioiri Garden. This evolution created a unique cultural fusion of traditional Japanese residential culture and Western elements from the Meiji era. Today, many of its structures are designated as National Important Cultural Properties, holding significant value in the history of modern Japanese architecture.
The garden is dotted with numerous structures of high historical value. First, the "Pond Garden" designed to resemble Lake Biwa is a must-see; the strolling style around the water offers the quintessential Japanese garden experience. The "Main Residence (Hon-tei)," built around 1889, features a heavy, dignified construction with both Japanese tea rooms and Western-style rooms, reflecting the lifestyle of that era. Other highlights include the "Palace-style Entrance and Carriage Way," said to mimic the architecture of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the "Great Gate (Yakuimon style)," which retains a strong Meiji-era atmosphere. The "Brick Warehouse," built in 1895, also serves as an important piece of the site's historical narrative.
The Modo Family Garden reveals a completely different face depending on the season. The best times to visit are