Former Kaji Residence

A Prairie-Style Masterpiece in Hayama: The Former Kaji Residence

Perched on a gentle hillside overlooking the Sagami Bay in Hayama, Kanagawa Prefecture, the Former Kaji Residence (旧加地邸) stands as one of Japan's finest surviving examples of Prairie Style residential architecture. Designed by Arata Endo, a devoted disciple of the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright, and completed in 1928, this remarkable dwelling seamlessly blends American modernist design principles with the natural beauty of the Japanese coastal landscape. Often affectionately called a "Little Imperial Hotel" for its striking resemblance to Wright's iconic Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, the residence was designated a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2017 and has since been thoughtfully restored as a luxury accommodation, inviting visitors to experience a living piece of architectural history.

Historical Background

The residence was commissioned by Toshio Kaji (1870–1956), who served as the first London branch manager of Mitsui & Co., one of Japan's most prominent trading companies. Following a distinguished career that included positions as a company executive and auditor, as well as a directorship at Taisho Marine & Fire Insurance, Kaji sought a seaside retreat in the upscale resort town of Hayama, a favored getaway for Tokyo's political, business, and cultural elite since the Meiji era. The town was home to the Imperial Villa and numerous distinguished estates of Japan's most influential figures.

To design his villa, Kaji engaged Arata Endo (1889–1951), one of the foremost Japanese architects of the early twentieth century. Endo had worked intimately with Frank Lloyd Wright during the construction of the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, serving as Wright's primary collaborator and playing an indispensable role in bringing the project to completion. Endo went on to design or co-design several of Wright's Japanese commissions, including the Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan and the former Yamamura Residence (now Yodoko Guest House, an Important Cultural Property).

The Kaji Residence was completed in 1928, when Endo was 39 years old, during what scholars regard as the architect's most productive and accomplished period. It was followed three years later by the Kaji family's main residence in the Shirokanesanko district of Tokyo. According to family accounts, Kaji's wife, Kotobuki, took an active role in the design process, collaborating closely with Endo on modifications that ultimately doubled the original construction budget. Local residents enthusiastically helped transport Oya stone and other materials up the hillside to the building site, and the Kaji family later reciprocated by regularly inviting their neighbors to enjoy the finished home.

Why It Was Designated a Cultural Property

The Former Kaji Residence was registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) on October 27, 2017, under the criterion of serving as an exemplary model of design and construction. The registration recognized the building as an outstanding Prairie Style residence in the tradition of Frank Lloyd Wright, notable for its extensive use of Oya stone, dramatically extended horizontal eaves, and harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape.

The building is considered the most significant surviving residential work by Arata Endo. True to his philosophy of "Zen-itsu" (全一, meaning "total unity"), Endo designed not only the structure itself but also the furniture, lighting fixtures, and decorative details, achieving a remarkably high degree of artistic coherence. This comprehensive approach to design, extending from architectural form down to the smallest interior elements, makes the residence an exceptionally rare and valuable artifact of early Showa-era modernist architecture in Japan.

Architectural Highlights and Attractions

The residence is a wooden structure, partially reinforced with concrete, comprising two stories above ground and one basement level, with a total floor area of approximately 364 square meters on a site of roughly 1,000 square meters. The roof is finished in copper sheeting, and the building area measures 297 square meters.

Prairie Style Design

The most striking external feature is the dramatically cantilevered eaves that stretch horizontally across the façade, anchoring the building to the landscape in the characteristic Prairie Style manner pioneered by Wright. The low-slung rooflines and horizontal emphasis create a sense of harmony with the surrounding natural environment, recalling Wright's celebrated Robie House in Chicago.

Oya Stone

Following Wright's passion for Oya stone—the distinctive volcanic tuff quarried in Tochigi Prefecture that was famously used throughout the Imperial Hotel—Endo incorporated the material lavishly into the Kaji Residence. From the geometrically patterned entrance approach to the interior walls and decorative elements, the warm, textured stone creates a visual continuity that connects the exterior landscape to the interior spaces. The emerald-green copper roof provides a striking contrast visible even from the sea.

Interior Spaces

Entering through the Oya stone-paved approach and vestibule, visitors discover a carefully choreographed sequence of spaces. The central living room opens southward to a terrace and sunroom, offering expansive views of the garden and glimpses of the ocean beyond. Bedrooms are arranged to the east, while the dining room and service areas occupy the western wing. Behind the central fireplace lies a billiard room, and two fireplaces are ingeniously configured back-to-back, sharing a single chimney. A second-floor observation room offers panoramic views of Sagami Bay.

Total Design Philosophy

Reflecting Endo's "Zen-itsu" philosophy, every element of the interior was designed as part of a unified whole. Original built-in furniture, custom lighting fixtures, and decorative details throughout the house demonstrate the same geometric language found in the architecture itself. The renovation by Kamiya Architects employed a method called "Creative Preservation," carefully restoring original elements while introducing contemporary comforts suitable for a luxury guesthouse.

Visiting the Former Kaji Residence

Since November 2020, the Former Kaji Residence has operated as an exclusive rental accommodation under the name "Hayama Kachi-tei." Guests can book the entire property for an overnight stay, experiencing the architecture as it was originally intended—as a private home. The renovation, which won the 2021 Good Design Award and the Japan Spatial Design Award, preserved the building's historic character while adding modern amenities including a designer bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and Wi-Fi throughout.

For those who wish to visit without staying overnight, limited tour programs are occasionally offered through cultural experience platforms. These guided tours provide expert commentary on the architectural details and historical significance of the building, often accompanied by locally sourced refreshments.

The residence has also gained recognition as a filming location, having appeared in several notable Japanese productions including the NHK drama series "Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan" and the Shochiku film "No Longer Human."

Surrounding Area and Nearby Attractions

Hayama is one of the most beautiful coastal towns on the Miura Peninsula, offering a perfect blend of natural scenery, cultural heritage, and sophisticated dining. The Former Kaji Residence is located near Isshiki Beach, which was selected as one of CNN's World's Best Beaches, known for its beautiful sunsets and clear waters. The area around the residence offers numerous attractions for visitors.

• Hayama Imperial Villa area and Hayama Shiosai Park, featuring a scenic Japanese garden and museum with ocean views
• Isshiki Beach and Morito Beach, popular for swimming, surfing, and seaside strolls
• Morito Shrine, an 800-year-old seaside shrine with views of Sagami Bay and Mount Fuji
• Charming cafés, restaurants, and artisan shops that line the streets of Hayama town
• Easy day trips to nearby Kamakura (about 30 minutes by car), with its Great Buddha, historic temples, and vibrant shopping streets