[Kobe City] Japan's valuable Frank Lloyd Wright architecture is the best photo spot

• Table of Contents
• It was originally the villa of the head of the Sakura Masamune family.
• Valuable Frank Lloyd Wright architecture existing in Japan
• How to walk around Yodoko Guest House
• Why not visit Yodoko Guest House?
• basic information

It was originally the villa of the head of the Sakura Masamune family.

First floor entrance area

The Yodoko Guest House was originally a residence built by Tazaemon Yamamura, the eighth generation head of Sakura Masamune, a sake brewing company in Kobe. It was completed in 1924 (Taisho 13). It was often used to invite distinguished guests, and it seems that over time it came to be called the State Guest House.

In 1947, it became owned by Yodogawa Steel Works, and was used as the president's residence, and at one time even served as the company's single dormitory. I think how lucky I am to be able to live in this beautiful building, but in reality, I have to go up a huge hill from the station, there are no shops nearby, it's very cold in winter, etc. Apparently it was difficult at times.

The table in the reception room is decorated with seasonal flowers.

Valuable Frank Lloyd Wright architecture existing in Japan

It was designed by famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. He designed many famous buildings, including the famous Fallingwater Villa and the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo (a portion of which has now been relocated to Meiji Village in Aichi).

Wright returned to Japan in 1922, so his disciples Arata Endo and Shin Minami took over the construction. This is the only house designed by Wright that still exists in Japan, and was designated as a national important cultural property in 1974.

Oya stone is used both inside and outside the building.

There is another building in the Hanshin area that was designed by one of his students, Arata Endo. Koshien Hotel in Nishinomiya City.

This place was built in 1930 at the junction of the Mukogawa and Edagawa rivers, in a picturesque location of white sand and green pine trees, and was operated as a resort hotel before the war.

After the war, it was requisitioned by the Occupation Forces, and after that it fell into disrepair and was taken over by Mukogawa Women's University, which now houses the university's architecture department. It is occasionally open to the public, so you can see its beautiful appearance.

Lighting up of Koshien Hotel (photographed in 2014)

As they are works by master and student, Koshien Hotel and Yodoko Guest House have a somewhat similar atmosphere.

reception room

How to walk around Yodoko Guest House

Prefectural road information sign

Now, let's actually visit Yodoko Guest House. Turn north at the Ashiya Seido intersection on National Route 43 and go up along the Ashiya River. Eventually, the road will reach a steep uphill slope, but just ahead you will see the Yodoko Guest House parking lot on your left.

parking

When you look up from the parking lot, you can see the terrace at the end of the guesthouse. It stands out against the blue sky in the background, giving it the appearance of a medieval noblewoman peeking out at any moment.

Looking up from the parking lot

After going up a steep path, you will see the entrance. After a while from there, you will reach the entrance. The heavy Oya stone pilotis are decorated with water basins.

Entrance

entrance

You can see the city of Ashiya from the piloti.

Reception on the first floor

As you go up the stairs, you will find a slightly narrow door. As you pass through, the space expands at once, and there is a beautiful reception room that will take your breath away. The feel of solid mahogany wood on the stone walls, and the greenery that spills out from the large windows on three sides. A fireplace made of Oya stone, which is often used throughout this building. Sunlight shines through the high windows that run all the way near the ceiling.

This is what true elegance was like in the Taisho era.

reception room

If you go up the stairs to the third floor, you will find a large Japanese-style room with three rooms, although it is hard to imagine from the exterior of the building. Originally, Wright's design did not include a Japanese-style room with tatami flooring, but this was apparently created at the client's strong request. As I look at it, I imagine that young employees must have lived here when it was a dormitory for singles.

The square plant motif, which is widely used in this building, is used in the transoms in copper plates. An unexpected fusion of Japanese and Western styles creates an indescribably comfortable space.

Japanese style room

Window in the hallway next to the Japanese-style room

The third floor also has a family bedroom and two Western-style rooms. One of them has a small shop selling original goods.

The roof of the hallway is also beautiful.

servant's room

The fourth floor has a dining room, cooking room, and balcony. The Yodoko Guest House is located on a hill, almost on top of a cliff, so you can see the entire city of Ashiya from this balcony.

You can also see the beautiful Oya stone exterior walls with intricate geometric patterns up close.

Dining area on the fourth floor

Fourth floor balcony and view of Ashiya city

The prefectural road that passes in front of the building is the road that goes north to Okuike and Arima via Ashi Road. The road climbs up the mountain in one go, but this section is particularly steep. The Yodoko Guest House was built by skillfully taking advantage of the height differences on the slope.

This method of construction that takes advantage of the natural topography may be said to be a characteristic of Wright architecture. Although it is a four-story building, it blends well with the natural landscape and is truly elegant.

Beautiful hand washing area lined with glass pillars

Beautiful appearance by the window

Why not visit Yodoko Guest House?

Yodoko Guest House is a real photo spot that looks great no matter where you take photos. On closed days, you can rent out part or all of the building. For example, I think it would be great for pre-wedding photos and photo weddings.

frank lloyd wright forehead

One of the best photo spots in the Hanshin area, known only to those in the know. Please visit us once. Opening hours are 10:00 to 16:00 (admission until 15:30), admission fee is 500 yen for adults, 200 yen for elementary, junior high, and high school students, and discounts are also available for seniors, groups, and people with disabilities. there is. The museum is generally open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, but please check the website in advance.

Yodoko Guest House Home Page

Steep slope leading to Hankyu Ashiya Station

(Writer Kojima)

*This article is information as of September 2023. Prices include tax. Product contents and prices may change.

basic information

Yodokou Guest House

Address: 3-10 Yamatecho, Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture

Phone number: 0797-38-1720

Business hours: 10:00-16:00 (Admission until 15:30)

Opening days: Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and during holiday event periods may vary, so please check the opening calendar.

Access: 10 minutes walk north from Hankyu Kobe Main Line "Ashiyagawa Station" 15 minutes walk northwest from JR Kobe Line "Ashiya Station" 20 minutes walk north from Hanshin Main Line "Ashiya Station"

Parking: Available (free)

HP: https://www.yodoko-geihinkan.jp/