Rinkōkaku, Historical wooden guesthouse in Ōtemachi, Japan
Rinkōkaku is a 19th-century guesthouse in Ōtemachi that connects three separate structures: the main building, an annex, and a tea room. The facility combines traditional Japanese construction methods with modern elements and shows the architectural craftsmanship of that period.
The guesthouse was built in 1884 through public donations and the initiative of Gunma Prefecture's governor. Its importance grew over time as it became a place where high-ranking officials and government visitors stayed.
The tea room displays how traditional Japanese craftsmanship appears in every detail, from woodwork to spatial arrangement. Visitors can experience how carefully each element was designed according to classical principles.
The grounds sit in a quiet spot in the city and are easy to reach by local bus. Visitors should expect to remove their shoes when entering interior spaces, as this is a traditional practice in such buildings.
The building received an imperial visitor in 1893, which underlined its role as an important site in regional history. This event made it a noted example of hospitality at the highest level during the Meiji period.
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