Murin-an

The Nanzen-ji temple and Okazaki area is lined with the villas of the rich and famous. Aritomo Yamagata, a prime minister during the Meiji era who had been in politics since the end of the Tokugawa shogunate, had an estate here. The building is now open to the public, with a Japanese garden that represents the Meiji era “Murin-an” aesthetic and is a designated national scenic spot. The “Ueji” garden faces the Higashiyama mountain peak and is Yamagata’s dream garden space realized by Jihei Ogawa, the 7th generation of the later famous landscape architect family. This simplistic garden draws water from Lake Biwa. There are some parts almost invisible to the naked eye that show the trial and error of directing the water to create the perfect trickle. Aritomo Yamagata himself lent a hand in the design of this carefully crafted space. If you look at the majestic gardens from the main Sukiya-tsukuri building, you will be able to slip back into the Meiji era. There is also a garden café where you can take a step back and enjoy the sights in peace.