Old Iwasaki House Garden｜Tokyo's Hidden Gem of Western Classical Aesthetics.

📍 Address: 1-3-45 Ikenohata, Taito-ku, Tokyo Features: Meiji-era Western-style architecture, Japanese garden, cultural heritage 🌟 An Elegant Mansion Through Time The Old Iwasaki House Garden is a historical cultural heritage that blends Western classical style with Japanese architectural aesthetics. Built in 1896, it was originally the residence of the founder of the Mitsubishi conglomerate, Iwasaki Yataro, and is now designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. This mansion not only showcases the luxurious lifestyle of Japanese nobility during the Meiji period but also presents the unique charm of the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, making it a perfect spot for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts to explore in depth. 📸 Must-See Highlights and Experiences 1. Main Western-style Building: Designed by British architect Josiah Conder, the main building adopts Victorian style, with ornate carved ceilings, fireplaces, and stained glass windows exuding European aristocratic vibes, making you feel like you've stepped into a 19th-century European mansion. 2. Japanese Study and Tea Room: Connected to the Western-style main building, the Japanese study and tea room retain traditional Japanese wooden structure craftsmanship and a simple, elegant style, showcasing the harmonious blend of Eastern and Western cultures, perfect for appreciating details and quiet meditation. 3. Expansive Green Garden: The garden retains its original design, showcasing different natural beauty throughout the seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn leaves, making it ideal for photography and leisurely walks. 4. Western-style Banquet Hall: The banquet hall's luxurious chandeliers and European furniture decorations offer a glimpse into the grand scenes of Iwasaki family's banquets and social events, a must-see for history enthusiasts. 5. Underground Tunnel and Air-raid Shelter: Hidden within the garden, the underground tunnel was used for emergency evacuation and now serves as a historical exhibition area, providing deeper insights into the architectural design and safety considerations of the time. 🎫 Visitor Information and Access Guide Opening Hours: • 09:00 - 17:00 (Last entry at 16:30) • Closed on Mondays (If Monday is a national holiday, it will be closed the following day). Ticket Information: • Adults: 400 yen • University Students: 200 yen • Free for Junior High School Students and below Access: • 3-minute walk from Yushima Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. • 10-minute walk from Ueno-hirokoji Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line. 🍡 Nearby Recommended Attractions and Food 1. Ueno Park: About a 10-minute walk from the garden, it is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot and cultural arts area in Tokyo, perfect for a day trip. 2. Tokyo National Museum: Japan's oldest museum, showcasing a rich collection of historical and artistic artifacts, especially suitable for culture enthusiasts. 3. Ameya-Yokocho Shopping Street: Only a 15-minute drive away, it's a vibrant shopping and food paradise where you can enjoy Japanese snacks and buy souvenirs. 🌸 Travel Tips 1. Photography Tips: Morning and dusk offer soft lighting, ideal for photographing the garden and building exteriors, especially the sunlight effect on the Western-style main building. 2. Clothing Tips: It is recommended to wear elegant or vintage-style clothing to match the classical atmosphere of the mansion for better photo effects. 3. Cultural Experience: Pay attention to the limited-time events and special exhibitions in the museum, as you may have the opportunity to participate in cultural lectures or tea ceremonies, adding depth and fun to your visit. 4. Etiquette: Please keep quiet while touring the interior of the building, avoid touching exhibits and furniture to maintain the integrity of the cultural property. 🌟 Summary Review The Old Iwasaki House Garden is a cultural heritage that perfectly combines Western luxury with Japanese Zen, making it an ideal place to appreciate historical architecture and garden scenery, as well as to gain a deeper understanding of the upper-class lifestyle and cultural characteristics of the Meiji era. Whether for photography, exploring history, or enjoying peaceful moments, this is a city oasis worth savoring. Recommended for travelers who love history, architecture, and cultural ambiance to add this place to their must-visit list in Tokyo!