Garyū Sansō

Overview

Garyu Sanso is a sukiya-style villa along the Hiji River in Ozu, Ehime. Built in 1907, its buildings are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan and its garden a National Place of Scenic Beauty. It comprises the Garyuin, Furoan, and Chishian buildings with a garden, framing views of Mount Tomisu and the Hiji River. This finely crafted masterpiece of architecture set amid nature is one of Ozu's signature sights.

Highlights

• ●An Important Cultural Property built in 1907 in refined sukiya style
• ●A garden along the Hiji River designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty
• ●Three buildings of distinct character: Garyuin, Furoan, and Chishian
• ●Views borrowing Mount Tomisu and the Hiji River as scenery

History

Garyu Sanso was built in 1907. It is said to have been raised as a refined expression of sukiya style at a scenic spot where the Hiji River curves broadly, a place likened to a reclining dragon (garyu). The buildings are designated Important Cultural Properties and the garden a National Place of Scenic Beauty, conveying the high refinement of Meiji-era sukiya architecture to this day.

Map

33.5063, 132.5501 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Head from central Ozu to Garyu Sanso along the Hiji River
2. 2Savor the fine sukiya detailing inside the Garyuin
3. 3Enjoy views of the Hiji River and Mount Tomisu from the Furoan
4. 4Walk the scenic garden, then continue to Ozu's castle town streets

Did you know?

💡 Garyu Sanso is made up of three buildings of differing character: the Garyuin, the Furoan, and the Chishian. The view from the Furoan, which juts out over the Hiji River, is especially striking and lets you experience the sukiya technique of borrowing nature as scenery.

Nearby spots