Otomo family residence garden

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Otomo family residence garden

The recreated garden of Sorin Otomo.

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The Otomo family residence was the base of the Otomo clan, which was a prestigious family line in Bungo Province for about 200 years, from the late 14th century until it ceased to function after the Shimazu clan invaded the area in the late 16th century. Excavations in 1998 uncovered the remains of its enormous garden. After the research, the garden has been restored to its original state and is now open to the public. It is a valuable site that celebrates the garden of those days.

The Otomo family residence complex was located in the center of an international trading city called Funai, and covered a large area of approximately 200 meters square. In the center of the complex, a foundation for a large stone building was found which looks like a central building for political matters and ceremonies. The garden was located on the south side of that building. This large-scale garden occupied more than 5,000 square meters, including a pond measuring 67 meters from east to west and 30 meters from north to south. The garden is restored in an interesting style from the Warring State period with waterfalls, islands, beaches, mountains, and stones arranged in various spots, and with the eastern pond featuring a dynamic landscape and the western pond a tranquil scenery.

The Nanban BVNGO Exchange Center, a facility that introduces the history of the Otomo family, is adjacent to the ruins. Excavations and studies are continuing for the restoration of the building to improve the entire Otomo family residence site.

Highlights

  • The garden is restored in the original style and features the nation’s largest pond for daimyo’s residences which stretches 67 meters from East to West, and 30 meters from North to South.
  • Learn about the Otomo clan and their residence through multi-media facilities at the Nanban BVNGO Exchange Center. An image of Sorin Otomo appears on a screen that resembles the alcove of the Otomo residence, along with an explanation of his life.
  • Visitors can use VR to experience the ruins of the vast mansion of Sorin Otomo who ruled over six regions in Kyushu during the Warring States Period.
  • Through further excavation and research, the site is scheduled to be completed as a historical park in 2030, the 500th anniversary of the birth of Otomo Sorin.

Photos

  • The garden on the southeast side of the building ruins has been restored to its original form. 
Photo credit: Oita City Board of Education

    The garden on the southeast side of the building ruins has been restored to its original form. Photo credit: Oita City Board of Education

  • The black building in the back is the Nanban BVNGO Exchange Center.
Photo credit: Oita City Board of Education

    The black building in the back is the Nanban BVNGO Exchange Center. Photo credit: Oita City Board of Education

  • The ponds are separated by an island between the east side and west side.
Photo credit: Oita City Board of Education

    The ponds are separated by an island between the east side and west side. Photo credit: Oita City Board of Education

  • The green part shows the ruins of the Otomo family residence
Photo credit: Oita City Board of Education

    The green part shows the ruins of the Otomo family residence Photo credit: Oita City Board of Education

  • The excavation revealed the entire garden in the Warring States period.
Photo credit: Oita City Board of Education

    The excavation revealed the entire garden in the Warring States period. Photo credit: Oita City Board of Education

Reviews

1
  • 夏婉欣

    池塘~擁有相當大的規模~有別具風格的戰國時代庭園哦。

Details

Name in Japanese
大友氏館跡庭園
Postal Code
870-0025
Address
3-2-45 Kentokumachi, Oita City, Oita
Telephone
097-578-9191
Closed
Closed on Mondays (1st Monday of the month, or the following day if the Monday is a national holiday), the day following a national holiday (open on Saturdays and Sundays), New Year's holidays
Business hours
9:00am-5:00pm (Admission allowed until 4:30pm)
* Check the official website for more details.
Admission
Free
Access
15-minute walk from JR Oita station
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)