🗺️ Old Ikeda Family Garden国指定名勝　旧池田氏庭園

The Old Ikeda Family Garden is a renowned Japanese garden associated with the "Ikeda Family," one of the three major landowners in the Tohoku region of Japan. This picturesque garden is the first nationally designated scenic spot in Akita Prefecture. Located in the heart of a rural area, the layout is designed in the shape of the Ikeda family crest, a hexagonal tortoise shell. The garden was completed during the Taisho era, with its design overseen by landscape architect Anbe Nagaoka. Not only are the trees in the garden magnificent, but the autumn foliage is also breathtakingly beautiful. The garden features a Japanese-style strolling garden centered around a pond, surrounded by towering 4-meter tall yukimi lanterns and a Western-style white limestone house from the Taisho era. The Ikeda family used the Western-style house as a library, which is clad in white tiles on the exterior, and the interior wallpaper is adorned with luxurious gold-printed leather paper, making it an extremely opulent building. The rear garden, designed for private activities, retains three warehouses and kitchen spaces. The "Mukurutei," built on the site of the former main residence, is a structure where the current Emperor rested during his time as Crown Prince. It now serves as a venue for events such as tea ceremonies. Additionally, the rice storehouse and miso storehouse are currently open to the public as exhibition spaces. Photo provided by: Daisen City

The beautiful Japanese garden and the white limestone mansion create a landscape full of Taisho romance. The garden was designed by Nagaoka Anpei, Japan's first renowned park designer. The most stunning scenery occurs during the autumn foliage season.