Tsuji Family Garden (Ishikawa Prefecture) Complete Guide | Thorough Explanation of the National Registered Tangible Cultural Property Designed by Jihei Ogawa VII
The Tsuji Family Garden, situated on a hilltop in Teramachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a historic garden constructed from the late Meiji period through the early Taisho period. As a nationally designated registered tangible cultural property and a Kanazawa City designated cultural property, this garden occupies an extremely important position in garden history as the only work in the Hokuriku region created by Jihei Ogawa VII (Uekiji), known as a master of modern Japanese gardens.
This article provides a comprehensive explanation of all aspects of this little-known historical heritage, from the Tsuji Family Garden’s historical background, architectural highlights, garden appeal, current uses, to access information.
History of Tsuji Family Garden | The Stage of Hospitality Built by the Yokoyama Family
The Yokoyama Family and the Prosperity of the “Mining King of Hokuriku”
The Tsuji Family Garden was originally known as the “Former Yokoyama Family Garden” and was constructed by Takao Yokoyama, a member of the family of senior Kaga clan retainers. The Yokoyama family amassed considerable wealth through the operation of the Oyoshio Mine (Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture) and earned the reputation of being the “Mining King of Hokuriku,” with the saying that “Kanazawa stands on the Yokoyama family.”
Takao Yokoyama, with financial support from his brother, Baron Ryuhei Yokoyama, constructed this garden as a villa and reception hall. The fact that a budget of 200,000 yen was invested at the time—equivalent to approximately 4 billion yen in current currency value—attests to the scale and prestige of this facility.
Construction from the Meiji to Taisho Periods and Design Philosophy
The garden was constructed from the late Meiji period through the early Taisho period. The design was entrusted to Jihei Ogawa VII (1860-1933), a renowned Kyoto garden designer. Ogawa Jihei is known by the business name “Uekiji” and designed many masterpieces of modern Japanese gardens, including Chikushansho (Tokyo), the villa of Arinori Yamagata, and the Furukawa Garden (Tokyo Municipal Cultural Property) of Munemitsu Mutsu.
The Tsuji Family Garden is positioned as a valuable garden, the only one designed by Ogawa Jihei in the Hokuriku region, and holds important standing in garden history research. The characteristics of his style—naturalistic, pond-centered stroll gardens—are evident throughout, with a distinctive bold composition that incorporates the Saigawa River as borrowed scenery.
Ownership Transfer to the Tsuji Family and Continuation to the Modern Era
In 1947, the garden came into the ownership of the Tsuji family, and annex buildings and storehouses were added, completing the current building configuration. For a long time thereafter, it remained closed to the public. However, in 2013, it was acquired by Novaleaze Corporation (On the Page), which specializes in wedding production and restaurant operations, and the garden was opened to the public as a wedding venue, restaurant, and tea house.
The Tsuji Family Garden, granted new purpose after more than 100 years, was reborn as a “living cultural property” where modern people can actually experience it while preserving its historical value.
Value as a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property
Designation Contents of Registered Cultural Property
The following structures at the Tsuji Family Garden are designated as nationally registered tangible cultural properties:
- Main House: Wooden architecture retaining the architectural style from the late Meiji through early Taisho periods
- Front Gate (Main Gate): Gate structure conveying the dignified appearance of a samurai residence
- Fence: Traditional fencing surrounding the premises
These structures are valued as precious remains transmitting the architectural style of upper-class villas in the modern era.
Garden as a Kanazawa City Designated Scenic Beauty
The garden itself is designated as a Kanazawa City designated cultural property (scenic beauty) and is protected as a masterpiece of modern Japanese gardens. The pond-centered stroll garden unfolding over approximately 6,600 square meters of vast grounds is highly evaluated by garden enthusiasts and researchers as a space embodying the finest techniques of Ogawa Jihei’s garden design.
Garden Highlights | The Garden Beauty of Ogawa Jihei VII
Composition of the Pond-Centered Stroll Garden
The center of the Tsuji Family Garden is a Japanese garden centered around a pond designed for strolling. The naturalistic style characteristic of Ogawa Jihei is evident throughout, employing a technique that minimizes artificial forms to reproduce natural scenery.
The pond’s shape is organic, with complex shorelines creating scenery rich in variation. Stone arrangements are placed along the pond’s edge, and the reflections of trees on the water’s surface create seasonal scenes.
Landscape Design Incorporating the Saigawa River as Borrowed Scenery
One of the greatest features of the Tsuji Family Garden is the bold landscape design that incorporates the Saigawa River as borrowed scenery. The hilltop location in Teramachi is utilized to the fullest, creating a visual effect where the flow of the Saigawa viewed from the garden appears to be part of the garden itself.
This technique of borrowed scenery grants breadth and depth to a limited site, creating the effect of making the garden feel far more expansive than it actually is.
Expression of Waterfalls and Water Flow
A waterfall is positioned within the garden, and the sound of clear water brings a serene atmosphere to the space. The water flow is designed to imitate a natural mountain stream, and the movement of water flowing through stone arrangements gives the garden a sense of vitality.
Plantings and Seasonal Changes
The Tsuji Family Garden delights visitors with plantings that change with the seasons. From spring’s cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, to summer’s deep green, autumn’s crimson leaves, and winter’s snowy landscape, the garden presents a different appearance each season, offering new discoveries with each visit.
Tree placement is meticulously calculated so that the view from any vantage point always describes a beautiful composition.
Architectural Appeal | The Fusion of Japanese and Modern Design
Architectural Style of the Main House
The main house of the Tsuji Family Garden retains strong characteristics of upper-class villa architecture from the Meiji and Taisho periods. The space harmonizes the warmth of wooden architecture with the refined design of formal tatami rooms, speaking to its former role as a reception hall.
Currently used as a wedding venue and restaurant, careful renovation has been undertaken to preserve the historic architecture while providing modern comfort.
Annexes and Added Storehouses
The annexes and storehouses added after 1947 form independent spaces while harmonizing with the main house. These buildings are used as a tea house and waiting rooms, providing visitors with diverse spatial experiences.
Fusion with Modern Design
In the 2013 restoration, contemporary modern design was incorporated within the scope of not compromising the historic building’s value. The space where tradition and modernity merge possesses an appeal that, while a cultural property, speaks to contemporary sensibilities.
Current Tsuji Family Garden | Diverse Uses
Tsuji Family Garden as a Wedding Venue
Currently, the Tsuji Family Garden is known as one of Kanazawa’s premier wedding venues. On this prestigious stage of a nationally registered tangible cultural property, it accommodates diverse wedding styles, from traditional Japanese ceremonies to refined modern weddings.
Ceremonies and receptions set against the backdrop of the vast garden provide a special time where one can experience Kanazawa’s history and culture. Exclusive use for single parties is possible, creating celebrations brimming with privacy.
Dining Experience at Restaurant and Tea House
The Tsuji Family Garden can also be used as a restaurant and tea house. In this historic architectural space, one can savor high-quality cuisine utilizing Kanazawa’s ingredients with all five senses. Dining while overlooking the garden creates a luxurious experience removed from everyday life.
On weekdays and special days, plans combining garden viewing and dining are offered, providing an opportunity to experience cultural properties firsthand.
Garden Viewing and Events
General garden viewing is also available, with advance reservations allowing visitors to stroll through this historic garden. Guided viewing plans provide detailed explanations of the garden’s history and Ogawa Jihei’s garden design techniques.
Additionally, seasonal events and illuminations are held, allowing visitors to enjoy the garden’s different character.
Private Parties and Corporate Use
The Tsuji Family Garden, with its vast grounds of approximately 6,600 square meters, accommodates private use for corporate commemorative ceremonies, parties, cultural events, and more. The space, with its prestige as a reception hall, is ideal for entertaining distinguished guests.
Access and Basic Information
Location and Transportation Access
Address: 1-8-48 Teramachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture 921-8033
Access by Train:
- Approximately 20 minutes by car from JR Kanazawa Station
- When using bus from Kanazawa Station, alight at “Hirosoji” stop on Hokuriku Bus and walk approximately 5 minutes
Access by Car:
- Approximately 15 minutes from the Kanazawa West Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway
- Parking available
Location in the Teramachi Area
The Teramachi area, where the Tsuji Family Garden is located, is a charming district with historic temples and shrines conveying Kanazawa’s history. Historic temples including Myoryuji (Ninja Temple) are scattered throughout, making it one of the important areas for Kanazawa sightseeing.
Positioned on a hilltop, it offers an excellent vantage point for viewing the flow of the Saigawa and Kanazawa’s townscape.
Viewing and Usage Information
Business Hours: Vary by facility; please check the official website
Reservations: Required in advance for wedding venue, restaurant, and garden viewing
Inquiries: Managed by Novaleaze Corporation (On the Page Group)
Weekday reservations are relatively easier to obtain, allowing time to view the garden leisurely. The garden’s beauty is particularly striking during special anniversaries and seasonal transitions, making these times recommended for visits.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
When visiting the Tsuji Family Garden, we recommend also touring other tourist spots in the Teramachi area.
Myoryuji (Ninja Temple)
A representative tourist spot in Teramachi, known by the nickname “Ninja Temple” for its complex architectural structure. It is within walking distance of the Tsuji Family Garden.
Saigawa and Saigawa Bridge
The Saigawa, which also serves as borrowed scenery for the Tsuji Family Garden, is also known as being connected to Saisei Muro, one of Kanazawa’s three literary giants. The walking path along the river offers seasonal charm.
Nishi Tea House District
One of Kanazawa’s three tea house districts, located approximately 10 minutes by car from the Tsuji Family Garden. You can stroll through charming streets lined with traditional tea house architecture.
Tips for Visiting the Tsuji Family Garden
Optimal Times to Visit
The Tsuji Family Garden is beautiful in all seasons, but particularly recommended times are as follows:
- Spring (April–May): Cherry blossoms and fresh greenery are beautiful, and the garden displays its most vital appearance
- Autumn (October–November): Autumn leaves color the garden, and the sight of foliage reflected in the pond is spectacular
- Winter (December–February): The snow-covered garden possesses the serene beauty of a sumi-e painting
Clothing and Precautions for Viewing
Comfortable, easy-to-walk-in shoes are recommended for garden viewing. When viewing buildings, shoes that are easy to remove and put on are convenient.
As a cultural property, care must be taken not to damage buildings or gardens. Additionally, during weddings or events, access to some areas may be restricted.
Photography
The garden’s beautiful scenery is popular as a photography spot, but commercial use or wedding photography requires prior permission. Personal commemorative photography is possible, but please remember to be considerate of other visitors.
Jihei Ogawa VII (Uekiji)’s Garden Design Philosophy
To deeply understand the Tsuji Family Garden, it is important to understand the philosophy of garden designer Jihei Ogawa.
Pioneer of Naturalistic Garden Design
Jihei Ogawa was a garden designer active in the Meiji and Taisho periods who established “naturalistic garden design,” breaking away from the stylized Japanese gardens of the past to reproduce scenery closer to nature.
In his gardens, artificial stone arrangements and pruning were minimized, aiming to reproduce natural mountain and water scenery within the garden.
Commitment to Water Expression
Particularly striking in Ogawa Jihei’s garden design is water expression. The effective placement of ponds, streams, and waterfalls, designed with consideration for water sounds and water surface reflections, brings movement and vitality to the garden.
In the Tsuji Family Garden, this water expression is evident throughout, adding dynamic elements to the static traditional Japanese garden.
Use of Borrowed Scenery
Particularly prominent in the Tsuji Family Garden is the bold composition incorporating the Saigawa River as borrowed scenery. This technique of granting breadth beyond limited grounds is one of Ogawa Jihei’s representative methods.
Positioning in Kanazawa’s Garden Culture
Kanazawa is also known as a “garden city,” with many noted gardens including Kenrokuen. The Tsuji Family Garden, distinct from these Edo period daimyo gardens, holds unique value as a modern private villa garden.
Differences from Kenrokuen
While Kenrokuen has a public character as a daimyo garden, the Tsuji Family Garden was constructed as a private villa and reception hall. Therefore, it features a more intimate and personal spatial composition, providing visitors with a sense of ease.
Value as a Modern Garden
The Meiji and Taisho periods were a transitional time when Japanese gardens shifted from traditional forms to modern expression. The Tsuji Family Garden, as a representative work of this period’s garden culture, occupies an important position in garden history research.
Conclusion | Historical Heritage Transcending Over 100 Years
The Tsuji Family Garden is a precious historical heritage transmitting the prosperity of the Meiji and Taisho periods to the present day. The garden design by Jihei Ogawa VII, its architecture as a nationally registered tangible cultural property, and its contemporary uses harmonize, making it a “living cultural property” enjoyed by many people.
Positioned on a hilltop in Teramachi, Kanazawa City, with the Saigawa River as borrowed scenery, approximately 6,600 square meters of vast grounds spread a pond-centered stroll garden rated a masterpiece of modern Japanese garden art. While utilized as a wedding venue, restaurant, and tea house, its historical value remains uncompromised, and rather, it has been given new life as a place where many can actually experience it.
When visiting Kanazawa, in addition to famous tourist destinations such as Kenrokuen, be sure to visit this little-known historical heritage, the Tsuji Family Garden. The beauty and history passed down through over 100 years will surely provide all visitors with a time of ease and inspiration.
The Tsuji Family Garden, embodying the cultural appeal of Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is truly a one-of-a-kind space where one can simultaneously experience the beauty of Japanese gardens, the value of modern architecture, and the possibilities of contemporary utilization.
