Former Taikawasō: A Meiji-Era Garden Villa on the Banks of the Nishimonai River
Nestled along the banks of the Nishimonai River in the town of Ugo, Akita Prefecture, the Former Taikawasō (旧対川荘, Kyū Taisensō) stands as a graceful testament to the refined aesthetic sensibilities of the Meiji period. This two-story wooden villa, registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property in January 2011, was originally built as a reception hall and guesthouse for the local community during the late Meiji era (1898–1912). Today, it has been lovingly restored and repurposed as part of the CAFE OHZAN complex, blending historic charm with modern hospitality in one of Akita's most culturally rich rural towns.
Historical Background
The Former Taikawasō was constructed during the late Meiji period on a site facing westward toward the Nishimonai River, which flows northward through the heart of Ugo Town. The building served as a local guesthouse and cultural gathering place, functioning as a kind of regional salon where intellectuals, artists, and literary figures came together. Among its most notable guests was the renowned haiku poet Kawahigashi Hekigotō, a disciple of Masaoka Shiki, who stayed at the villa during his travels through the Tōhoku region. The novelist Fujiwara Shinji also maintained a strong connection to the property, and a room associated with him is still preserved within the complex. The celebrated writer Asada Tetsuya (also known by his real name Irokawa Takehiro) is likewise recorded as having used the former Kawarada-sō estate — the predecessor property — as a private study.
After years of declining use, the building gradually fell into disrepair and sat quietly hidden among overgrown trees. It was the vision of Enomoto Suzuko, a native of Ugo Town and the founder of the confectionery brand CAFE OHZAN, that brought the villa back to life. In 2007, a careful renovation was undertaken to preserve the building's historic character while adapting it for modern use, resulting in the establishment of a charming café and cultural space that honors the villa's distinguished past.
Why It Was Designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property
The Former Taikawasō was registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) on January 26, 2011, under registration number 05-0184. The designation was granted under the criterion that the building contributes to the historic landscape of Japan. The official description by the Agency for Cultural Affairs notes that the structure is a two-story wooden building with a hipped roof (yosemune-zukuri) covered in iron sheeting, with a total building area of 111 square meters. Both the first and second floors feature expansive glass doors designed to maximize views of the surrounding river scenery, creating an open and airy atmosphere. The second floor houses the principal reception room (shuzashiki) with a decorative alcove (tokonoma) and ornamental shelves (tana), alongside an adjoining room (tsugi-no-ma), with verandas (engawa) running along three sides. The building is characterized as a garden villa (teien kenchiku) of light and elegant design.
Architectural Highlights and Attractions
The Former Taikawasō is a masterful example of Meiji-era residential architecture adapted for scenic enjoyment. The building's most striking feature is its deliberate orientation toward the Nishimonai River, with large glass-paneled doors on both floors that frame the waterside landscape like a living painting. This design choice reflects the Japanese architectural tradition of borrowing scenery (shakkei), where the natural environment becomes an integral part of the interior experience.
The second-floor main reception room is particularly noteworthy, featuring traditional elements such as a tokonoma alcove and decorative shelving, arranged with an understated elegance characteristic of high-quality rural hospitality architecture. The engawa verandas that wrap around three sides of the upper floor invite visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the river and its wooded banks. The hipped roof with iron-sheet covering is typical of buildings in the snowy Tōhoku region, where durability against heavy winter snowfall was essential.
Following the 2007 renovation, the building now houses CAFE OHZAN's "Forest Café" (Mori no Cafe), where visitors can enjoy handcrafted croissant rusks and specialty beverages in an atmosphere that seamlessly blends historic architecture with French-inspired interior design. Vintage lace from France and floral-themed décor complement the original wooden structure, creating a unique and inviting space.
Visitor Information
The Former Taikawasō is located in the Kawarada district of Nishimonai, within Ugo Town. While the building is primarily operated as part of CAFE OHZAN's Forest Café, visitors can appreciate the historic architecture while enjoying refreshments. The café operates seasonally, typically from spring through autumn, and is open on weekends and holidays. It is advisable to check current operating hours before visiting, as schedules may vary.
Access to Ugo Town is most convenient via JR Yuzawa Station on the Ōu Main Line, from which the town can be reached by Ugo Kōtsū bus (Nishimonai line, approximately 20–30 minutes) or by taxi. By car, the Yuzawa Interchange on the Yuzawa-Yokote Expressway is the nearest highway exit, with the town center approximately 15 minutes away. The nearest airport is Akita Airport, connected to Akita Station by limousine bus.
Surrounding Attractions
Ugo Town is a treasure trove of cultural heritage and natural beauty, making a visit to the Former Taikawasō an ideal starting point for deeper exploration of the region.
The Nishimonai Bon Odori, held annually from August 16 to 18, is one of Japan's three great Bon dances and has been designated both a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Dancers wearing elegant端縫い (端縫い, hand-stitched patchwork) kimono and eerie ghost hoods move through the streets to the sound of drums and flutes, creating a hauntingly beautiful spectacle. The Nishimonai Bon Odori Hall offers year-round exhibitions and demonstrations for those who visit outside the festival season.
The Kurosawa Family Residence, an Akita Prefecture-designated Tangible Cultural Property, preserves the traditional townhouse (machiya) architecture of the Edo period and is located along the main shopping street where the Bon dance takes place. The Suzuki Family Residence, a National Important Cultural Property, is one of the oldest examples of the chūmon-zukuri farmhouse style in the Tōhoku region and represents the birthplace of the Suzuki surname in northeastern Japan.
Miwa Shrine and Suga Shrine, both National Important Cultural Properties, showcase Momoyama-period architectural style with their distinctive steeply-pitched roofs. The Kamaitachi Art Museum, housed in a historic three-story turret, displays works by the renowned photographer Hosoe Eikō and the avant-garde dancer Hijikata Tatsumi.
For culinary exploration, Nishimonai soba is a must-try local specialty, featuring a distinctive cold broth (hiyagake) style that dates back to 1818. Several long-established soba restaurants line the town streets. The Michi-no-Eki Ugo (Roadside Station) offers local products including Ugo beef, fresh vegetables, and artisan crafts.
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Q＆A
- What is the Former Taikawasō used for today?
- The Former Taikawasō has been restored and is currently operated as part of CAFE OHZAN's "Forest Café" (Mori no Cafe). Visitors can enjoy handcrafted croissant rusks and specialty beverages within the historic Meiji-era building, which has been tastefully renovated while preserving its original architectural character. The property is owned by Kabushiki Kaisha Ōzan (Sakurayama Co., Ltd.).
- When was the Former Taikawasō built and when was it registered as a cultural property?
- The building was constructed during the late Meiji period (1898–1912) and underwent renovation in 2007 (Heisei 19). It was registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) on January 26, 2011, under registration number 05-0184.
- How can I access the Former Taikawasō from Tokyo?
- From Tokyo, take the Akita Shinkansen to Ōmagari Station, then transfer to the JR Ōu Main Line bound for Yuzawa. From JR Yuzawa Station, take the Ugo Kōtsū bus (Nishimonai line) for approximately 20–30 minutes. Alternatively, overnight highway buses operate between Tokyo and Yokote. By car, access is via the Yuzawa Interchange on the Yuzawa-Yokote Expressway.
- What famous cultural figures are associated with this building?
- The villa hosted the renowned haiku poet Kawahigashi Hekigotō, a leading disciple of Masaoka Shiki, who visited during the Meiji period and famously praised the local Bon dance. The novelist Fujiwara Shinji had a dedicated room at the property, and the writer Asada Tetsuya (Irokawa Takehiro) also used the associated Kawarada-sō estate as a retreat for his literary work.
- Is it possible to visit the Former Taikawasō during winter?
- The CAFE OHZAN Forest Café typically operates on a seasonal basis from spring through autumn, primarily on weekends and holidays. Ugo Town is located in a designated heavy snowfall area, and winter access may be limited. It is recommended to check the café's current schedule before planning a winter visit. The building's exterior can be viewed year-round from the surrounding area.
Basic Information
| Name | Former Taikawasō (旧対川荘 / きゅうたいせんそう) |
|---|---|
| Cultural Property Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) |
| Registration Date | January 26, 2011 |
| Registration Number | 05-0184 (Registration Round 69) |
| Registration Criteria | Contributes to the historic landscape of Japan |
| Construction Period | Late Meiji era (1898–1912); renovated in 2007 |
| Structure | Two-story wooden building, hipped roof with iron-sheet covering, building area 111 m² |
| Category | Residential architecture (Garden villa) |
| Address | 12-2 Kawarada, Nishimonai, Ugo Town, Ogachi District, Akita Prefecture 012-1131 |
| Owner | Kabushiki Kaisha Sakurayama (Ōzan Co., Ltd.) |
| Access | Approximately 20–30 minutes by Ugo Kōtsū bus from JR Yuzawa Station (Ōu Main Line); approximately 15 minutes by car from Yuzawa IC (Yuzawa-Yokote Expressway) |
| Inquiries | Ugo Town Hall, Tourism Division: TEL 0183-62-2111 |
References
- 旧対川荘 - Cultural Heritage Online (Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/169588/2
- National Designated Cultural Properties Database - Former Taikawasō
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00008412
- CAFE OHZAN Forest Café - Gurutabi
- https://gurutabi.gnavi.co.jp/a/a_1179/
- 西馬音内 - Wikipedia
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%A5%BF%E9%A6%AC%E9%9F%B3%E5%86%85
- Ugo Town Official Website - Access Information
- https://www.town.ugo.lg.jp/sightseeing/detail.html?id=1957&category_id=45
- Nishimonai Bon Odori - Ugo Town Tourism Association
- https://ugokanko.com/bonodorigaiyou/
- Kurosawa Family Residence - Ugo Town Tourism Association
- https://ugokanko.com/kurosawake/
Last verified: 2026.04.17