In Meiji 41(1908), a branch of the Arisugawa Nomiya imperial family built this villa. The name of the building derives from Chinese poet Li Po's "Meikoraku Tenkyo" and was given to it by prince Yoshihito Shinodenka (later, the Emperor Taisho).
In June of Taisho 13 (1924), with the succession of Prince Takamatsu Nomiya Norihito, the traditions of Tenkyokaku and Arisugawa Nomiya continued. In August of the same year, Togu (Emperor Showa) and the Empress came here and spent the summer together on their honeymoon. In December of Showa 27 (1952), Takamatsu Nomiya Norihito presented the property to Fukushima Prefecture, which made it available for meetings and seminars. However, the building was so old that it couldn's be used after Showa 46, and closed that April. After that, in Feb of Showa 54 (1979), the main building, other buildings, and the main gate received a designation as a National Cultural Property. In September of Showa 57 (1982), restoration was completed, in keeping with the original style.
The building previously had few trees, but now it is surrounded by thick woods, and you can see the building's elegant style from afar. Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro are easily seen in front of this place, so it was a perfect hideaway at which to spend the hot summer, and offer hospitality to guests. Inside, all the rooms are Renaissance style and unbelievably elegant. In addition, each room has gorgeous curtains and carpets and a splendorous chandelier hanging from the ceiling, because at the end of the Meiji Period, royalty used this for a luxurious villa.
Inside, there is a "Trying on Meiji apparel" experience (women only). We have garments for children to try on as well. Inside the restaurant we serve seasonal teas and sweets. You can enjoy a relaxing time here. In addition, A snack corner in the garden offers Tenkyokaku's original "Kere (kayray) Rice" and "Kere pan" "Kurokere" etc. for you to eat (Until the end of November). Kere is what curry was called during Meiji times, and spices and herbs are good medicine for you. Certainly, sample the taste of this era.
The store details
Name | Tenkyokaku |
---|---|
Address | Yama-gun, Inawashiro-machi Oaza, Okinazawa Aza, Gotenyama 1048 |
Hours | 8:30 to 17:00 (May to October); 9:00 to 16:30 (November to April) |
Regular holiday | Open daily |
TEL | 0242-65-2811 |
Fax | 0242-65-2811 |
tenkyokaku@bloom.ocn.ne.jp | |
URL | http://www.tif.ne.jp/soumu |
Parking | Nine buses 43 passenger cars, |
Access | A 10-minute drive from Inawashiro IC |
Credit card | No |
Tobacco | Inside is no smoking, but smoking is permitted in the garden |