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Must-See Art and Cultural Hotspots in Japan

Museums

KAGAIRYOKUEN

Built in the Meiji era as a guesthouse in the Yamanaka Onsen, this historic site once welcomed members of the imperial family and other prominent guests. After extensive renovations, it has been reborn as Kaga Iryokuen—a cultural space where visitors can experience the refined harmony of modern Japanese architecture and traditional gardens. Exhibition rooms also display historical artifacts that convey the atmosphere of a bygone era.
© KAGAIRYOKUEN

Kaga Iryokuen is a cultural tourism site steeped in history, located in Yamanaka Onsen in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Originally constructed as the second villa of Yoshinoya, a prestigious and long-established ryokan (Japanese inn), the building underwent major renovations from 2021 and 2023. In 2024, it reopened as a modern cultural hub that honors and preserves its traditional heritage.

About KAGAIRYOKUEN

The garden, designed under the supervision of landscape designer Yuri Ugaya, is harmoniously integrated with the building. Gentle streams flow throughout, creating a tranquil and refined atmosphere.
© KAGAIRYOKUEN

Garden

Multilingual pamphlets are available, and signs throughout the facility are displayed in English.

You may also view videos by scanning the QR codes in the pamphlet.
© KAGAIRYOKUEN
You may also view videos by scanning the QR codes in the pamphlet.
© KAGAIRYOKUEN
You may also view videos by scanning the QR codes in the pamphlet.
© KAGAIRYOKUEN

Exhibition Room

Main works

Kiku-no-Ma (Chrysanthemum Room) & Kiri-no-Ma (Paulownia Room)

Originally used to receive honored guests, these rooms were relocated from buildings constructed during the Taishō and early Shōwa periods (circa 1912-1930s). They retain the strong influences from the modern Western architecture popular at the time. A standout feature of the Kiku-no-Ma is its original kinkarakawakami (gold-embossed leather paper), still preserved today. In contrast, the Kiri-no-Ma showcases a faithfully restored kinkarakami (gold-embossed paper), meticulously recreated by the Kinkarakami Research Institute to reflect the room's original luster.

In the Kiku-no-Ma (pictured), visitors can experience the ambiance of a bygone era not only through the original wallpaper but also the intricate kote-e (plaster relief art) on the ceiling and period-style carpeting.
© KAGAIRYOKUEN

Goten (Miyuki-no-Ma)

Based on the designs made by Goun Oshima, the pioneering restorer of the Inami woodcarving tradition, the Goten was brough to life by the renowned miya-daiku (shrine and temple carpenter) Nitaro Tennichi. Visitors can admire the ranma (transom carving) in the center of the room created by Oshima himself, which features intricate design of the flower known as “Murakumo no Tsuki” (“Moon in the Gathering Clouds”). The room also includes a biwa shelf that used a single plank of zelkova (keyaki) wood.

While in the Goten, visitors may also enjoy views of the lush garden while savoring a bowl of matcha accompanied by a traditional jō-namagashi (high-quality Japanese confection).
© KAGAIRYOKUEN

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