Kyu-Kachonomiya Residence

What is the Kyū-Kachō-no-Miya Residence?｜A Noble Villa with a Story

Tucked away in the serene Jōmyōji area of eastern Kamakura lies the Kyū-Kachō-no-Miya Residence, a Western-style villa with deep historical charm. Built in 1929 for Prince Kachō Hirotsugu, a member of the former imperial family, the residence was used for only a few years before being preserved as a cultural landmark.

Today, it is designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property and an Important Scenic Building of Kamakura City. Its elegant French-style garden has earned a place among Japan’s Top 100 Historical Parks, offering a rare glimpse into early 20th-century aristocratic life in Kamakura.

Architectural Highlights｜Where European Design Meets Japanese Calm

The villa is a three-story wooden structure with timber-framed mortar walls and a copper-tiled roof. Its “half-timbered” architectural style—exposed beams and decorative woodwork—evokes traditional European elegance. It’s often listed among the “Three Great Western Villas of Kamakura.”

The residence spans 4,500 square meters, making it the second-largest pre-war Western-style residence in the city after the Kamakura Museum of Literature. The adjacent French garden is meticulously arranged with geometric paths and seasonal blooms. In May, vibrant roses line the walkways; in November, vivid foliage paints the landscape. The garden feels like a living painting, peaceful and full of grace.

Cultural Significance｜Where East Meets West in Aesthetic Harmony

Though not a religious site, the Kyū-Kachō-no-Miya Residence offers spiritual enrichment through beauty and cultural history. The tea pavilion Mui-an within the grounds blends Japanese interior elements with Western architecture, symbolizing the cultural fusion of the era.

It’s a place for thoughtful reflection, where the elegance of East and West meet in a quiet conversation of design and nature.

Local Eats & Experiences｜Relaxing Stops Around the Garden

There are no dining facilities within the residence, but the surrounding Jōmyōji area features charming cafés and traditional sweet shops. Some cafés offer terrace seating with views of the nearby hills—perfect for a relaxing stop before or after your visit.

You can also enjoy a peaceful break on the garden benches, perhaps with a takeaway drink in hand, savoring the seasonal colors of Kamakura at your own pace.

Seasonal Openings｜When Can You Go Inside the Residence?

While the garden is open year-round, the interior of the residence is open to the public only during select periods in spring (May) and autumn (November). These limited openings allow visitors to view early Shōwa-era furnishings, fireplaces, and architectural details usually hidden from view.

Be sure to check the Kamakura City website for exact dates before planning your visit.

Access & Morning Tips from Toshi’s Place｜Easy Transit & Peaceful Timing

From Kamakura Station (East Exit), take the Keikyu Bus bound for “Jōmyōji” and get off at the same-named stop. The residence is a 4-minute walk from there. The site is also within walking distance of several historic temples, including Hōkokuji and Sugimotodera, making it an excellent anchor point for a tranquil half-day trip.

If you’re staying at Toshi’s Place, we recommend visiting in the late morning—after a relaxed breakfast in your self-catered kitchen. Avoid the crowds, take your time, and let the peaceful ambiance of the garden set the tone for your day.

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Interior Viewing: Limited to specific dates in May & November
Admission: Free (subject to change during interior viewings)

Best Time to Visit｜May Roses & November Foliage

The two most scenic seasons to visit are May, when roses bloom in full color, and November, when autumn leaves fill the garden with warm tones.

Arriving early ensures fewer visitors and lets you take in the garden at your own rhythm. With the flexible check-out system at Toshi’s Place, you can fully enjoy your morning without rushing—and without missing the most peaceful hours of the day.

Nearby Hidden Gems｜Quiet Attractions Within Walking Distance

The area around the residence is home to some of Kamakura’s most serene temples:

• Hōkokuji (Bamboo Temple): Famous for its bamboo grove and tea experience—best visited in the early morning.
• Sugimotodera Temple: The oldest temple in Kamakura, known for its moss-covered stone steps and tranquil grounds.
• Jōmyōji Temple: One of Kamakura’s prestigious Five Great Zen Temples, featuring a hilltop café with wood-fired oven cuisine.

All of these are within walking distance, making for a refined, slow-travel itinerary.

Who Should Visit?｜For Lovers of Silence, Beauty, and Cultural Depth

• Travelers seeking calm: A quiet alternative to crowded tourist spots
• Architecture & garden enthusiasts: Perfect for admiring well-preserved design and symmetry
• Morning explorers: Ideal for guests at Toshi’s Place looking to make the most of the day’s early hours
• Photography lovers: Excellent lighting and contrast between architecture and nature

Final Thoughts｜A Slice of Elegant Modern History in Kamakura

The Kyū-Kachō-no-Miya Residence is one of Kamakura’s best-kept secrets—an elegant Western villa and garden hidden away in a lush valley. It’s not just a beautiful spot, but a place to feel the subtle flow of history and artistry.

If you’re staying at Toshi’s Place, consider adding this to your morning itinerary. Quiet, refined, and rich in atmosphere, it offers a different perspective on Kamakura—one you’re unlikely to forget.