Operation

The Seisonkaku is a samurai villa replete with Edo Period (1603-1868) arts and crafts that the Maeda family commissioned to have made.
After the Edo Period drew to a close, the villa was used for welcoming the Japanese emperor and princess. In 1938 it was designated an Important National Cultural Property, and in 1950 it was declared a National Treasure.

Currently, Seisonkaku is an incorporated foundation responsible for the custody and management of the buildings, gardens, arts and crafts, and other materials owned by the Maeda family. It also plans and holds exhibitions.

Seisonkaku is distinguished by two styles of traditional Japanese architecture. One is called “Shoinzukuri,” which was commonly seen in Azuchi‒Momoyama (1568‒1600) and Edo period (1600‒1868) warrior residences, temple guest halls, and Zen abbot quarters. The other is called “Sukiya-zukuri,” which incorporated highly refined elements of tea ceremony spaces into residences and entertainment establishments.

This is evidence of the architectural culture across three centuries of the Edo period and is its only existing legacy.

This building's great significance lies in its representation of samurai architecture in the Edo period, which has completely accomplished. We hope visitors will appreciate the aesthetic value of this architectural style.