Enjoy Japan’s Four Seasons At The Saito Villa In Niigata

The West Room Study and Reception Hall

The West Room was used by Kijuro Saito as a study as well as a reception hall. Green bamboo can be seen from the windows and a yard that is slightly different from that of the banquet hall and tea house can also be enjoyed here.

The room on the opposite side of the bamboo thicket is the only structure built facing south.

The Garden from the 2F Banquet Hall

Another banquet hall will come to view when you go up the stairs near the first floor banquet hall to the second floor. This area was used as an area where large numbers of people could socialize during parties.

The garden can be seen with a bird’s eye view from the second floor that is different from the view on the first floor. The garden will have you captivated once more with an entirely different appearance. The peculiar, but lovely window frames are sure to make an impression on you.

The Consideration of the Japanese

Walking Around the Garden

You can also walk around the garden at Saito Villa. Please try freely walking around your favorite areas and enjoy the view of the pond from the top of the stone bridge, or try going through the bamboo grove and feeling its proximity.

En route, there will also be viewing spots such as azumaya (*2) and waterfalls. In a Japanese garden, an area that is an azumaya or has an open view is an area that the gardener wants you to see. Please enjoy the landscape that can be seen from these areas to your heart’s content.

*2 Azumaya: a structure with no walls and only pillars. It is created as a resting area in a garden.

Magnificently Beautiful Autumn Leaves

Photo courtesy of: Niigata Saito Villa

This Japanese garden will have you captivated with its appearance that varies by season. The spring and summer will bring fresh greenery, the autumn will be in fiery vermilion colors, and the winter will be a calming white. No matter when you come to visit, here you can enjoy are the great qualities of a Japanese garden.

The autumn leaves especially are a scene we would like you to see. The view seen from the first and second floor banquet halls, not to mention the combination of the view of the residence from the garden, the Japanese-style architecture, and the autumn leaves are lovely scenery produced by the villa.

A Fantastic Space Lit Up by Autumn Leaves

Photo courtesy of: Niigata Saito Villa

The villa is also illuminated at night annually in November. In 2017, the illumination will be conducted on November 3rd, 4th, 5th, 11th, and the 12th. The collaboration between a Japanese garden, architecture, and illumination produces a fantastic space. By all means, please try strolling through the garden during its illuminations.

In Conclusion

Photo courtesy of: Niigata Saito Villa

It’s only in Japan that you are able to see gardens, Japanese-style buildings, and autumn leaves all together. It may be because it’s the Saito Villa, where they place importance in capturing the idea of “garden and home as one”, that they were able to produce a beautiful and fantastical space.

Please come and visit the villa and experience the four seasons of Japan.

Former Saito Family Villa

951-8104 576 Nishiohatacho, Chuo-ku, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture

The Saito Family Villa was built in the Taisho era and was designed so that you could enjoy the beautiful view of the garden from inside. Th...