🗺️ The Mansion of Wealthy Farmers - Northern Culture Museum豪農の館 北方文化博物館

The former residence and garden of the Ito family, which rose to prominence as a leading landlord in Echigo Province (now Niigata Prefecture) during the Meiji period, is now open to the public as a museum. Covering an expansive area of 8,800 tsubo, it features the main building, completed after eight years of construction, a large hall with approximately 100 tatami mats, and a unique structure that serves as both a gate and a storehouse, all of which are registered as important cultural properties. Additionally, a portion of the approximately 6,000 art pieces collected by the successive owners, including ceramics and paintings, is displayed on the second floor of the main building and in the large hall, allowing visitors to appreciate both the grandeur of typical modern Japanese architecture of wealthy farmers and the valuable art collection. A highlight not to be missed is the pond and garden designed by the Echigo gardener Tanaka Taiami, who participated in the restoration of the garden at Ginkaku-ji in Kyoto, taking five years to create. From the large hall, visitors can also enjoy views of this strolling garden, which showcases the changing beauty of the seasons, including autumn foliage and winter snow scenes. Seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms, wisteria, and lotus flowers blooming in the pond add to the breathtaking scenery. In a restaurant converted from a Meiji-era miso storehouse, guests can savor delicious local ingredients and Niigata's unique Koshihikari rice (reservation required). There is also a gift shop selling famous Niigata products and accommodation facilities nestled in a bamboo grove.

Visitors can tour the residence, earthen storehouses, and tea room of the Ito family, the largest landowners in Echigo. A total of 26 buildings, including the main house, are registered as national tangible cultural properties. Guests can also appreciate a portion of the approximately 6,000 artworks collected from both domestic and international sources. The garden, crafted by a gardener with ties to Ginkaku-ji, along with seasonal flowers, is also worth seeing. The premises include a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and accommodation facilities.