Ishōan, Historic tea house in Sumiyoshi Higashimachi, Japan.
Ishōan is a two-story wooden house in Sumiyoshi Higashimachi with multiple tatami rooms, sliding doors, and a traditional Japanese garden surrounded by pine trees. The building links interior living spaces with areas that open toward the garden.
The house was built in 1929 based on designs by master Hoan Takahashi, who drew from his own architectural projects of the period. His approach influenced how residential spaces were created during that era.
The name honors its builder, master Hoan Takahashi, who infused his personal philosophy into the design and materials. Visitors today can sense the craftsmanship and care for detail that shaped this place.
The house is open to visitors on specific days, so check opening times before your visit. Access is via the Sumiyoshi Higashimachi address, and it helps to confirm the exact location ahead of time.
Upstairs, three rooms originally served as private chambers for three sisters and offered views toward the sea from their windows. This personal use of space gives the house a human quality that you can still sense in how the rooms are proportioned.
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