Former Iwasaki Kayacho Mansion and Gardens: A Glimpse into Meiji Era Opulence

Step back in time at the Former Iwasaki Kayacho Mansion and Gardens, a historical treasure in Tokyo's Taito City. This estate, once the residence of the Iwasaki family, founders of the Mitsubishi conglomerate, provides a unique window into Japan's Meiji era (1868-1912), a period of rapid Westernization and industrialization. The estate features three distinct buildings: a Western-style mansion designed by British architect Josiah Conder, a Japanese house, and a billiard house. The Western-style mansion, completed in 1896, showcases Jacobean architectural elements and served as a guest house for entertaining important visitors. The intricate wooden craftsmanship and elegant interiors are a testament to the opulence of the era. Connected to the Western mansion by an underground tunnel is the Billiards House, resembling a Swiss chalet, a unique design for the time. The Japanese-style house, crafted by Kijuro Okawa, offered a traditional living space for the Iwasaki family. The gardens surrounding the buildings blend European and Japanese aesthetics, creating a serene and harmonious atmosphere. Stone lanterns, a clam-shaped stone, and a massive kutsunugiishi (shoe-removing stone) are among the garden's distinctive features. The open lawn provides a space for relaxation and appreciation of the surrounding architecture. While the estate originally encompassed 20 buildings across a vast 49,500-square-meter property, only these three structures remain today. The others were lost due to wartime destruction and later demolition. After World War II, the property was briefly used by the CIA before being returned to the Japanese government. In 1961, the main mansion was recognized as an Important Cultural Asset, with the designation extended to the entire property in 1999. The gardens were opened to the public in 2001, offering a glimpse into the past.