Tairyū-Sansō, Historic villa in Nanzen-ji district, Japan
Tairyū-Sansō is a villa built in traditional sukiya style that sits on an extensive grounds in the Nanzen-ji district, featuring a carefully composed property with pavilions, artificial waterfalls, and flowing streams. The grounds integrate the residence and garden into a single harmonious design.
The villa was built between 1896 and 1899 and then substantially modified from 1901 to 1905, taking on the form it has today. These changes occurred as the area became established as a retreat for wealthy families.
The garden was designed by master landscape architect Jihei Ogawa VII and shows how water, stone, and plants were arranged to create a place for quiet reflection. The style reflects how people of that era understood their relationship with the natural world around them.
The property is now privately owned and visits require advance permission, making it generally not accessible to casual visitors. It is worth checking beforehand if a viewing can be arranged for your visit.
The villa was named after Mount Zuiryu, the mountain where Nanzen-ji temple stands and which can be seen from the property. In 1988, the grounds received official designation as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.
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