Onomichi Tea Garden House

Saen in Onomichi uniquely refers to an environment that includes buildings and gardens originating from the Edo period merchant’s villa created to entertain guests with tea.
(Excerpts from Onomichi Tea Garden Guidebook)

History of Tea Garden Houses (Japanese)

About Onomichi Tea Garden House

This project involves a long-term renovation of an original tea garden house to serve as a guest house for visitors before they head out for a one-hour boat trip to Momoshima. There are many challenges including significant termite damage from years of neglect, harmonizing original parts with newer additions, difficulties in material delivery due to its location, and the importance of maintaining Onomichi’s cultural and historical landscape. The house offers a splendid view of the Onomichi Channel from the second floor and is situated along a tourist route to Senkoji Temple, making it an important aspect of Onomichi’s cultural heritage.

Yukinori Yanagi

Project background

This house along the temple pilgrimage route in Onomichi was originally a two-story wooden structure with a gabled roof and a veranda on the east side. It features notable elements such as the former restroom protruding in T-shape on the north side, deep eaves, stone foundation posts, and polished round logs and bamboo in the rafters of the second-floor eaves. The handrails by the windows are made of bamboo, and natural wood is used for other parts. Exterior repairs were conducted in 2017 as part of the town development project, addressing decay in various areas and reinforcing certain sections. (Excerpts from Onomichi Tea Garen Guidebook)

Director/Artist: Yukinori Yanagi
Architect: Kentaro Yagi

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Onomichi Tea Garden House

19-14 Higashitsuchido, Onomichi, Hiroshima