[Sakyo Ward, Kyoto] How to enjoy the former Mitsui family Shimogamo villa seen from the history and buildings and Futaba's bean mochi

What is the former Mitsui family Shimogamo villa?

The former Mitsui family Shimogamo villa is a pure Japanese-style building adjacent to areas with constant foot traffic, such as the Kamogawa Delta (Kyoto Prefectural Kamogawa Park) and the approach to Shimogamo Shrine.

The wooden structure exudes a calm atmosphere.

In fact, it was built in Kiyamachi Sanjo until it was moved to its current location in 1925.

Prior to its relocation, the former Mitsui family Shimogamo villa remained vacant due to changes in the times and living environment. What kind of changes were taking place?

wealthy merchant Mitsui family

The key word for this building is its creator, the Mitsui family, a wealthy merchant family.

The Mitsui family began gaining success as merchants in 1673 during the Edo period.

It all began when Takatoshi Mitsui opened a kimono store called Mitsui Echigoya .

Time passed, and in the Meiji period, the Mitsui family grew to the point where it became known as a zaibatsu.

At that time, the capital was already in Tokyo, and as business bases moved there, the main building, which had been built for people to live in, became vacant.

The 10th generation Mitsui Hachiroemon Takamune gathers for an event to commemorate the relocation of the Akinareisha Shrine, which enshrines the ancestors of the Mitsui family, to the current location of the Kyoto Family Court. The main house was relocated as a place for the family to rest.

Photo: Main building 2nd floor

During the Taisho period, an entrance building and a tea room dating back to the Edo period were also placed on the grounds to accommodate large numbers of people.

From the second floor of the main house, you can enjoy the view of the garden, including the gourd-shaped pond.

The water in the pond is drawn from the Izumi River that flows through Shimogamo Shrine and Tadasu Forest, and I felt that the connection with things rooted in the area permeated the air.

Photo: The third-floor gazebo visible at the top of the main building is the building's charm point. Usually not disclosed . You can enter during special openings.

Photo: The gazebo on the third floor was specially opened to the public. You can see Mt. Hiei.

When I think of the scenery back then, when there were many buildings with no backs, I was able to imagine that the scenery would have been even more refreshing than it is now.

The attention to detail in architecture shines through even in the four and a half tatami room of the gazebo. At first glance, the gazebo window looks defenseless, but...

Photo: You can also see the ``large'' character.

Surprisingly, the door can be pulled out from the bottom to keep out the rain and wind. From the windows that offer a 360-degree view, you can feel the owner's attention to the view and design.

Photo: Door pocket for pulling out the shutters to keep out the rain and wind

When you look around from the first floor to the third floor, it's more spacious than you can imagine. It's very worth seeing.

Photo: A door that protects from the rain and wind from below

You can also relax and enjoy the cafe.

Photo: (``Hagi Joro'' is a chocolate inspired by ``The Tale of Genji'' and is on sale for an extended period. Please check the website for details.)

It was designated as an important cultural property in 2011.

This year marks the 8th year since it has been open to the public. The former Mitsui family Shimogamo villa continues to quietly emit an aura right next to the Kamogawa River.

In fact, the town near the building is also full of local atmosphere, so you can't take your eyes off it. Especially near the Demachi Masugata shopping street, which is about a 10 minute walk away! `` Demachiza '' is a compact but charming combination movie theater, cafe, and bookstore, and ` `Demachi Futaba '' is a popular and long-established Japanese confectionery shop that is always crowded with people.

After feeling the warmth of the land that the building has looked after, we recommend buying a snack and taking a "break" at the Kamogawa Delta (Kyoto Prefectural Shimogamo Park) .

People who read books while listening to the sound of water, and people who enjoy conversations with friends.

Why not also visit Demachiyanagi, where you can feel the ``normality'' that is unique to this town.

Please contact us from here ( https://www.cec-kyoto.jp/ ) for inquiries and to order guides in Kyoto .