RECOMMEND
Summer is now finished and autumn has come to Shonan.
This time our special feature “Little Known Attractions in Shonan” will show you different ways to enjoy Japanese gardens. Our focus this time is on Ichijo Ekan Sanso, an important cultural property with a unique Japanese ambience, which opened to the public in the summer of 2017. As we are now heading into the beautiful season of autumn colours this is a great place to relax and unwind in the garden’s peaceful atmosphere.
Ichijo Ekan Sanso
Ichijo Ekan was a court noble during the beginning of the Edo Era and was also the ninth son of Emperor Go-Yozei. Ekan was a man who excelled at writing Waka (classical Japanese poems) and performing tea ceremony. Ichijo Ekan Sanso was built in Nishigamo, Kyoto on an open site as a summer house which later became a tea room and also set the stage of the cultural movement in 1946. Sanso is a priceless treasure as it is the only remaining example of Imperial court culture, apart from Katsurarikyu in Kyoto. The building was selected as a nationally designated important intangible cultural property after it was dismantled and reconstructed in Kamakura in 1959. The heart of Japanese culture revolves around a love of nature which can clearly be felt surrounded by nature in this beautiful garden. Here are the highlights of Ichijo Ekan Sanso.
Ichijo Ekan was a court noble during the beginning of the Edo Era and was also the ninth son of Emperor Go-Yozei. Ekan was a man who excelled at writing Waka (classical Japanese poems) and performing tea ceremony. Ichijo Ekan Sanso was built in Nishigamo, Kyoto on an open site as a summer house which later became a tea room and also set the stage of the cultural movement in 1946. Sanso is a priceless treasure as it is the only remaining example of Imperial court culture, apart from Katsurarikyu in Kyoto. The building was selected as a nationally designated important intangible cultural property after it was dismantled and reconstructed in Kamakura in 1959. The heart of Japanese culture revolves around a love of nature which can clearly be felt surrounded by nature in this beautiful garden. Here are the highlights of Ichijo Ekan Sanso.
Garden
It is located a two minute walk from Jomyoji bus stop along the Kanazawa Kaido.
In the middle garden, luscious new green trees await you.
“Miyuki Gate”, the gorgeous gate used to greet the Emperor was dismantled and rebuilt at the site.
The garden reappears with things that were used at the time it was first designed in Kyoto. It was created to appear beautiful from any angle or place.
From moss to autumn colours and plenty of seasonal flowers, this is a place where you can enjoy the pleasures of the four seasons.
From the circular window you can gaze at the scenery of the beautiful tea room “Shigure”.
Sanso (Mountain Villa)
"For a full explanation of the inner rooms of Sanso there is a guided tour on specific dates. The guided tour is only available during certain times. Built in the style of a country cottage, you can find an elegant design has been built into everything you see. The building alone is enough to make you wish to enthusiastically study your new surroundings. "
Namerigawa River
"At the far end of the garden, Namerigawa River flows out into a gently mountain stream. Its name is derived from the way the stream flows over the rocks in Kamakura. If you walk along the path next to the stream during the rainy season (beginning of June to mid-July) you’ll be met with beautiful colours of mountain hydrangeas, moss, and other plants, bringing to mind a sense of a Kamakura long gone. Alongside the mountain stream, the gentle sounds of nature will comfort and heal you as you are surrounded by a relaxing stillness. "
Café Yamamomotei
Ichijo Ekan Sanso offers you a chance to fall in love with the changing of the seasons. We hope everyone who visits will be able to feel the spirit and beauty of Wa (Japanese harmony).Look here for more details about Ichijo Ekan Sanso.
The Autumn Colour Scenery
Ichijo Ekan Sanso offers you a chance to fall in love with the changing of the seasons. We hope everyone who visits will be able to feel the spirit and beauty of Wa (Japanese harmony). Look here for more details about Ichijo Ekan Sanso.
Detail for Ichijo Ekan Sanso
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