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HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Saito Villa in Niigata
A grand house with Japanese gardens built by one of Niigata’s wealthiest families
Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture
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 the 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 from the Taisho period (1912–1926). Both the house and its Japanese gardens 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 in the best light possible.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Niigata Station (about 2 hours). The Saito Villa is 8 minutes by car from Niigata Station. Alternatively, take the Niigata City Loop bus from Niigata Station, get off at the Northern Culture Museum stop, and walk 2 minutes to the destination.
576 Nishi Ohata-cho, Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata-ken
