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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Saito Villa in Niigata
A grand house and Japanese-style gardens built by one of Niigata’s wealthiest families
Niigata City
This grand house was built in 1918 as a family villa by Kijuro Saito IV, a son of the affluent Saito family, at the time one of Niigata’s three wealthiest industrialist families. The strolling garden, which makes best use of the sandy terrain, and the open and airy architecture of the building, are an excellent example of Japanese architecture and garden design of the Taisho period (1912-1926). Both the house and Japanese garden are cultural assets that speak of the prosperity of Niigata in the 1910s and 1920s when it was a booming port and commercial city.
The residence is also designated as a national scenic spot. In autumn the contrasting colors of the green pine trees and red Japanese maple leaves bring the garden to life, which is also illuminated during the autumn season to show the garden and its autumn foliage to best advantage.
How to get there
8 minutes by car from Niigata Station. Alternatively, take the Niigata City Loop bus from Niigata Station, alight at the Northern Culture Museum stop, walk 2 minutes.
