Ever wonder what it feels like to step back in time? Today, we’re at Kyoto University Seifuso Villa. It is a place where history and tranquility intertwine.
Seifuso Villa began its story in 1732. The Tokudaiji family built it as their villa. Imagine this oasis of refinement surrounded by fields and bamboo groves. Emperor Koumei reigned during this time.
Later, Duke Saionji made Seifuso Villa his Kyoto residence. He remodeled and enlarged the buildings around 1910. He also redesigned the garden and added a tea house. All of this was done in the traditional sukiya style.
Imadegawa street was noisy even then. The east building was moved four meters to allow for a noise-shielding wall.
Originally, the Otagawa river fed the pond and waterfalls. Today, a simple pipe under Imadegawa street supplies the water. The water is stored in buffer tanks. It settles before feeding the two waterfalls. One is male and the other is female.
The owners sold part of the land to Kyoto city. This made way for a wider Imadegawa street.
After Saionji’s death, the Sumitomo family maintained Seifuso Villa. In 1944, they donated it to Kyoto University. This was in memory of the Duke. He helped found the university.
Today, Kyoto University uses Seifuso Villa. They use it to entertain important guests and host cultural events. The student tea ceremony group also gathers here.
The Sumitomo family adopted Tomoito. Tomoito acquired Seifukan Villa from the Tokudaiji family in 1907. Kinmochi decided on Seifukan as his residence in Kyoto. Tomoito and Kinmochi commissioned Jinbee Yagi Jr. for the buildings. They also commissioned Jihei (Ueji) Ogawa VII for the garden. Kinmochi provided detailed instructions. These instructions covered building materials and garden stones.
Kinmochi Saionji served as prime minister twice. He was also a genro, advising the emperor. He spent his early years at the villa. His younger brother, Tomoito, was adopted by the Sumitomo family. This connection led to the Sumitomo family’s purchase of Seifuso.
The main residence was completed in 1912. The entire project finished by 1915. Seifuso Villa showcases the finest timber and exquisite architecture. It stands as one of the best examples of modern Japanese architecture.
The garden was designated a Special Place of Scenic Beauty in 1951. In 2007, Seifuso Villa became a Tangible Cultural Property. In 2012, it was registered as an Important Cultural Property.
Seifuso Villa includes twelve buildings. There is a main house, detached house, and storehouse. There is also an annex, guardroom, and barn. You will find a tea ceremony room too. Other structures include an attendant’s waiting room and middle gates.
Buildings surround the main house. A tatami room on the second floor offers views of the Higashiyama mountains. Jinbee Yagi Jr. designed the villa. Senjiro Kamisaka built the tea ceremony house.
Seifuso Villa stands as an elegant sukiya-style residence. Its serene interior design made it perfect for a private residence. It remains a significant example of early modern Japanese architecture. As a guesthouse of Kyoto University, Seifuso Villa continues to enchant visitors.