Tenkyokaku

The building is a fusion of Renaissance and Western architectural styles, and was built in 1908 as a villa for the Arisugawa family, a member of the Imperial Family.

It is also where Emperor Showa and Empress Dowager Kohjun spent one summer on their honeymoon in 1924. It is now designated as a National Important Cultural Property and is open to the public.

The name is taken from a haiku by Li Bai, “Ming Hu Ling Tian Xiang” (“The Mirror Falling off Lake Ming”).

The building is partly three stories high and skillfully blends Renaissance and Japanese styles. Features include white board walls and balconies.

The building is extremely luxurious for its time, with a billiard room, marble mantelpiece, chandeliers, and other extravagant furnishings that were in vogue at the time.

This building was completed in August 1908 as the villa of Prince Takehito Arisugawa. Later, when it was designated as a National Important Cultural Property, a two-year restoration work was conducted from 1980 (Showa 55), and the building was opened to the public.

Currently, with the exception of some of the rooms in the main building, the museum is open to the public year-round, and inside are exhibits of items related to His Imperial Highness Prince Takehito. These items were donated by the Takamatsu family.

Things to do at Tenkyo-kaku

Royal Tea & Sweets
Visitors can enjoy tea and seasonal sweets in the museum’s tea room (guest dining room).

Try on Meiji Period Dresses
We have recreated a dress from the Meiji era.
You can try on the dress and take pictures freely in the museum.