Former Residence of Lord Hotta, Historic residence and garden in Sakura, Japan.
The Former Residence of Lord Hotta is a Meiji-era compound of five residential buildings — a reception hall, living quarters, study, entrance hall and bathhouse — plus a gatehouse and storehouse. Its construction mixes traditional Japanese methods such as tsuchi-zukuri earthen walls and hikigane-nuki timber ties with Western bolts and nuts, showing the transition in building practice of the 1890s.
The house was built in 1890 for Masatomo Hotta, the final ruler of Sakura Domain. Its construction marked a period when Japan was transitioning away from its feudal past toward a modern nation-state.
The residence preserves the Hotta family name in its official designation, Former Hotta Family Residence. The garden was laid out by Ito Hikoemon of Chinjuen, a noted gardener of the period. Since 2016 the property has been a constituent cultural property of a Japan Heritage designation, and in 2008 it was listed among the Chiba Heritage 100.
The residence is about 20 minutes on foot from Keisei Sakura Station, making it accessible by public transport with a brief walk. The grounds include steps and uneven paths between buildings, so comfortable walking shoes are helpful when exploring the compound and gardens.
The garden was laid out by Ito Hikoemon of Chinjuen, a noted gardener of the period. In 2015 it was designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty under the name Former Hotta Masatomo Garden, and in 2008 the residence and garden were listed among the Chiba Heritage 100.
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