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Once renowned for its plum blossoms, this site now offers an accessible introduction to traditional Japanese culture, including ukiyo-e and Edo Kiriko cut glass.
Kameido was once home to Seiko-an, the villa of kimono fabric merchant Iseya Hikoemon. Its garden contained a single plum tree whose dragon-like branches extended for 150 meters, weaving above and below ground. The site was affectionately known to local residents as Kameido Umeyashiki.
The site is also famous for inspiring ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige’s 1857 work “Plum Garden at Kameido” from his “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo” series, which Vincent van Gogh later copied. The present-day Kameido Umeyashiki takes its name from this historic landmark. It houses a shop offering information on Kameido attractions and local specialties, as well as a shop selling Edo Kiriko cut glass, a traditional Japanese craft and local industry of Koto City.
The facility also has an Edo Kiriko Gallery, where visitors can learn how this cut glass is made. Other popular exhibits include a replica of Hiroshige’s ukiyo-e print “Plum Garden at Kameido,” a three-dimensional plasterwork interpretation of the print, an illustrated map from 1851, and panels exploring the history of Kameido Umeyashiki. The Wisteria Room hosts Kameido Umeyashiki Yose, a rakugo event featuring the traditional Japanese art of comic storytelling, in which a single performer plays multiple characters in a dialogue-driven story. The facility offers an accessible introduction to Japanese culture through art, crafts, and performing arts.
Services for international visitors include English-language leaflets, in-person assistance using tablets, and video sightseeing information.
Exterior
Ukiyo-e Salon
Wooden tower
The Wisteria Room, where rakugo performances are held
Shop exteriors
