Introduction
Nestled within the lush grounds of Rakujuen Park in Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Ume-goten (梅御殿, "Plum Palace") is a refined example of Meiji-era sukiya-style residential architecture. Originally built around 1890 as part of the villa complex of Prince Komatsu Akihito—a distinguished imperial figure who played a pivotal role in the Meiji Restoration—this two-story wooden structure was registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2006. Its name derives from the striking plum tree trunk used as the decorative alcove post (tokonoma bed pillar) in the main reception room, a detail that speaks to the exquisite craftsmanship and natural aesthetic sensibility of the Meiji period.
Historical Background
The history of Ume-goten is inseparable from the story of Rakujuen Park itself. In 1890, Prince Komatsu Akihito (1846–1903), the eighth son of Prince Fushimi Kuniye and a key military leader during the Meiji Restoration, chose this scenic hilltop location—once known as Kohamayama and home to ancient shrines and temples—to construct his country villa. The prince commissioned an elegant compound in the Kyoto-style sukiya-zukuri tradition, comprising the main Rakujukan hall, Ume-goten (Plum Palace), and Sakura-goten (Cherry Palace), all designed to harmonize with the surrounding natural landscape of volcanic rock, natural springs, and dense forest.
Following Prince Komatsu's passing in 1903, the estate was transferred in 1911 to Korean Crown Prince Yi Un, who named it Changdeokgung after a famous palace in Seoul. In 1927, the property was sold to the wealthy industrialist Ogata Keizo. Finally, in 1952, the estate was donated to Mishima City and opened to the public as Rakujuen Park. Through these transitions, Ume-goten has been carefully preserved, maintaining its original architectural character for over 130 years.
Why Ume-goten Was Designated a Cultural Property
Ume-goten was registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) on October 18, 2006. The designation recognizes several distinctive features that make this structure architecturally and historically significant.
The building is a rare surviving example of a sukiya-style (tea ceremony aesthetic) residence built for an imperial household. Its ingenious use of the site's natural topography is particularly noteworthy: the structure employs a skip-floor design that takes advantage of the terrain's elevation changes. The entrance is positioned on the lower western level, while the upper eastern level accommodates a series of tatami rooms—three rooms of six and nine mats arranged in a row, with a ten-mat reception room extending at a right angle to the southeast overlooking the garden pond.
The wooden two-story structure features copper-sheet roofing and encompasses a building area of approximately 150 square meters. As an example of imperial residential architecture executed in the sukiya idiom, Ume-goten provides valuable insight into the refined lifestyle and aesthetic preferences of the Meiji-era aristocracy.
Architectural Highlights and Attractions
Ume-goten offers visitors a wealth of architectural details to admire. The building's most celebrated feature is the plum tree trunk used as the tokonoma bed pillar in the main reception room. This bold use of a natural plum branch as a structural and decorative element is characteristic of the sukiya style, which values rustic beauty and the incorporation of natural materials.
The skip-floor layout is another highlight. By building into the hillside, the architects created a dynamic spatial experience where visitors move between levels as they progress through the rooms. This design also ensures that the main tatami rooms on the upper level enjoy commanding views over the pond and surrounding garden landscape.
The interior features traditional decorative paintings on cedar sliding doors (sugido-e), which were designated as a Mishima City Cultural Property in 1991. These paintings, comprising six works across ten panels, include subjects drawn from Chinese legends, Japanese warrior tales from the Heike Monogatari, and nature motifs of wisteria and autumn grasses. Artists Kusano Ryuun and Yukawa Shodo created these works with exceptional technical skill, making use of the natural grain of the cedar wood as part of their compositions.
Since April 2013, Ume-goten has been managed by Rakujuen Park and is available as a rental facility. Its six Japanese-style rooms totaling 53 tatami mats have hosted weddings, tea ceremonies, calligraphy exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events—allowing visitors to experience this historic space in an intimate and personal way.
Visitor Information
Ume-goten is located within Rakujuen Park, which is situated directly south of JR Mishima Station—just a one-minute walk from the south exit. The park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (April through October) and 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (November through March), with last admission 30 minutes before closing. General admission to Rakujuen Park is 300 yen for adults; visitors under 15, students with valid ID, Mishima residents aged 70 and over, and holders of disability certificates may enter free of charge.
Mishima is easily accessible from major cities. From Tokyo, the Tokaido Shinkansen reaches Mishima Station in approximately 50 minutes. From Nagoya, the journey takes about one hour and 20 minutes by Shinkansen. The Izu Hakone Railway departs from Mishima Station, offering connections to popular Izu Peninsula destinations including Shuzenji.
Surrounding Attractions
Ume-goten is part of a rich cultural landscape in central Mishima that can be explored on foot. Within Rakujuen Park itself, visitors should not miss the Rakujukan main villa, a Mishima City-designated cultural property featuring over 210 painted fusuma panels, ceiling paintings, and cedar door paintings by Imperial Household Artists. The park also includes Kohama Pond, a natural spring-fed pool whose water level fluctuates seasonally, and a small zoo with popular animals including red pandas, alpacas, and capybaras.
Just south of the park, Genbe River (源兵衛川) offers one of Mishima's most beloved walking experiences. This spring-fed stream—originating from Kohama Pond—features stepping stones and wooden walkways that allow visitors to stroll along (and even within) the crystal-clear waters. Selected as one of Japan's 100 Finest Waters, the river is home to fireflies in early summer.
A ten-minute walk southeast of the park brings visitors to Mishima Taisha, one of Izu's most important Shinto shrines. Revered as the chief shrine (ichinomiya) of the former Izu Province, it is famous for its connection to Minamoto no Yoritomo, who prayed here before launching his campaign that would establish the Kamakura shogunate. The shrine is celebrated for its weeping cherry blossoms in spring and a fragrant osmanthus tree said to be over 1,200 years old.
Other nearby attractions include Shirataki Park with its gentle waterfalls fed by underground springs, the Sano Art Museum with its beautiful strolling garden, and the charming Mishima Calendar Publisher's House (Mishima-goyomi no Yakata), a registered cultural property that introduces the history of Japan's oldest kana-character printed calendar.
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Q&A
- Why is the building called "Ume-goten" (Plum Palace)?
- The name comes from the thick plum tree trunk (ume) used as the decorative alcove post (tokonoma bed pillar) in the main reception room. This distinctive natural element became the building's defining feature and gave rise to its elegant name.
- Can visitors go inside Ume-goten?
- Ume-goten functions as a rental facility within Rakujuen Park and may be reserved for events such as tea ceremonies, exhibitions, and meetings. When not reserved for private events, visitors may be able to view the exterior and surroundings. For availability, contact Rakujuen Park directly at 055-975-2570.
- What is the difference between Ume-goten and Rakujukan?
- Both were part of Prince Komatsu Akihito's original villa complex. Rakujukan is the main hall, designated as a Mishima City Cultural Property, known for its 210 painted panels by Imperial Household Artists. Ume-goten is a separate building to the north, registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property, notable for its skip-floor design and plum-wood alcove post.
- How do I get to Ume-goten from Tokyo?
- Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Mishima Station (approximately 50 minutes). From Mishima Station's south exit, Rakujuen Park is directly adjacent—about a one-minute walk. Ume-goten is located within the park grounds.
- Is Ume-goten related to the Sakura-goten (Cherry Palace)?
- Yes. Both Ume-goten and Sakura-goten were built as part of the same villa complex for Prince Komatsu Akihito around 1890. Together with Rakujukan, they originally formed a connected ensemble of buildings. Sakura-goten (formally known as the Former Komatsunomiya Villa Sakura-goten) is also a registered cultural property and stands nearby within the park.
Basic Information
| Name | Ume-goten (梅御殿 / Plum Palace) |
|---|---|
| Designation | National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) |
| Registration Date | October 18, 2006 |
| Construction Period | Meiji era (circa 1890) |
| Structure | Two-story wooden structure with copper-sheet roofing; building area approx. 150 m² |
| Architectural Style | Kyoto-style sukiya-zukuri (tea ceremony aesthetic) |
| Owner | Mishima City |
| Location | 15-6 Ichibancho, Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture 411-0036 (within Rakujuen Park) |
| Access | 1-minute walk from JR Mishima Station South Exit; approx. 50 minutes from Tokyo by Tokaido Shinkansen |
| Park Hours | Apr–Oct: 9:00–17:00 / Nov–Mar: 9:00–16:30 (last entry 30 min before closing) |
| Admission | Rakujuen Park: 300 yen (adults); free for visitors under 15, students, Mishima residents 70+, disability certificate holders |
| Contact | Rakujuen Park: TEL 055-975-2570 |
References
- 梅御殿 - 文化遺産オンライン
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/152445
- 梅御殿のご利用について - 三島市
- https://www.city.mishima.shizuoka.jp/rakujyu/shousai013294.html
- 梅御殿 - 三島市立公園 楽寿園
- https://www.city.mishima.shizuoka.jp/rakujyu/shousai018729.html
- 三島市 指定等文化財を紹介します（市指定 その１） - 三島市
- https://www.city.mishima.shizuoka.jp/ipn059445.html
- 三島市 指定等文化財を紹介します（市指定 その２） - 三島市
- https://www.city.mishima.shizuoka.jp/ipn059447.html
- 楽寿園 - Wikipedia
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%A5%BD%E5%AF%BF%E5%9C%92
- Rakuju-en - Wikipedia (English)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rakuju-en
- 楽寿園 - 三島市観光Web
- https://www.mishima-kankou.com/spot/294/
Last verified: 2026.03.28