Guida
Chinjuso is a historic architectural treasure located in Tagami Town, Minami Kanbara District, Niigata Prefecture. It was built over a period of approximately three and a half years starting from the 3rd year of the Taisho era (1914) as a detached villa for the Takamaki family, a prominent wealthy farming family in Tagami. The structure is notable for its use of precious woods sourced from all over Japan and incorporates a design inspired by traditional temple architecture. The grounds feature a beautiful 'Chisen-kaiyu-shiki' (stroll garden around a pond), creating a seamless harmony between the magnificent architecture and the surrounding natural landscape.
This facility was originally constructed as a detached villa for a powerful landowner who once held vast territories in Niigata. The design and construction were led by Kakuhei Matsui, a master carpenter from Nyoba, Toyama, known for his expertise in temple-style architecture. The construction also served a social purpose, providing employment and craftsmanship to the local community at the time. The building serves as a living testament to the sophisticated lifestyle of wealthy farmers and the advanced architectural techniques of the early 20th century.
Visitors can admire the intricate craftsmanship in details such as the 'Daimyo Entrance' and the elevated 'Oku-no-tsugi-no-ma' room. The entrance is graced by an Aizu Keyaki tree over 800 years old, and the flooring features white Mikage stone from Ibaraki Prefecture. The stroll garden is designed to be viewed from multiple perspectives, including from within the rooms themselves. This allows visitors to experience the changing colors of the plants and the structural elegance of the building in perfect synchronization with nature.
Chinjuso offers a different face with every season. In spring and summer, the lush greenery provides a sense of tranquility, while autumn brings vibrant foliage that contrasts beautifully with the dark wood of the villa. In winter, the sight of heavy snow covering the architecture and garden creates a serene, monochromatic landscape. The facility is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Upon arrival, visitors can request a guided tour (subject to availability) to learn about the specific architectural structures and the layout of the garden. There is also a souvenir corner where you can find local specialties and regional products. More than just a sightseeing spot, Chinjuso serves as an educational space to learn about traditional Japanese lifestyles and garden composition.
The area around Chinjuso offers several other points of interest, such as the 'Gomado-yama Ajisai-en' (Hydrangea Garden) and the nearby 'Gomado-yama Yuttari-kan' hot spring facility. Visiting during the 'Gomado-yama Hydrangea Festival' is also a great way to experience the natural beauty of Niigata. You can easily incorporate these spots into a cultural and nature-focused travel route through Niigata.
As you will be walking through traditional rooms, you will need to remove your shoes. We highly recommend wearing socks to keep your feet comfortable and clean. To preserve this historic site, please follow these guidelines: