The Emperor’s place of rest
The villa was built in 1899 as a place of rest for Emperor Taisho. It has been well maintained to a surprising level, and even now it is being used as an Imperial villa. Let us introduce a place that you cannot miss.
Ekken-jo (Audience Chamber)
Used by the Emperor as a public meeting room, it is the most important chamber in the villa. Only the best of Kiso Hinoki cypress was used for the pillars and ceiling, and it was constructed with a good command of techniques. The beauty of the plain wood is even more attractive and you can feel the formality and tradition.
The Kenji (Sacred Sword and Jewel)
Room Among the Three Sacred Treasures (mirror, sword and jewels) that have been passed down through generations of Emperors, the sword and jewels are brought along with the Emperor when he travels. They are emplaced within the Kenji Room during his stay. Only the Tamozawa Villa has this special room. The tatami at the back of the room are the most formal using Ungenberi hems.
Architectural techniques of every era can be seen
Edo Era techniques
The Ogakumon-jo that was used as the Emperor’s study and which reflects a late Edo Era style was known formerly as the “Ume-no-Ma” (Plum Room). This building was given in 1872 to the Imperial household and was part of the Akasaka Detached Palace before being moved to the villa. The illustrations painted on the sliding doors and the cedarboard doors in the Edo Era have basically retained the same color tone.
Meiji Era techniques
The Mikurumayose entrance was relocated in the Meiji Era from the enlarged Akasaka Detached Palace (Imperial household building) in Tokyo. It’s used as the public entrance. In the Empress’ residence, there are rooms such as an office for the Empress.
Taisho Era techniques
As an addition made in the Taisho Era, the Otamatsuki-jo (Billiards Room) was used for friendly exchange with foreign guests. There is a billiard table with no pockets used to play a 4-ball game called yotsudama.
The floor is a cross-grained Japanese zelkova.