There’s an audio guide inside that’s worth listening to. It really helps you appreciate the history of this building.
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Tenkyōkaku
Enjoy an elegant moment inside this refined Western-style villa, formerly a retreat for the Imperial Family.
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This villa was built in August 1908 during Prince Arisugawa Takehito’s travels through the Tohoku region, after he was captivated by the beauty of Lake Inawashiro. When Crown Prince Yoshihito (later Emperor Taishō) visited the following September, it is said that the villa was named Tenkyōkaku after a line in a poem by Li Bai: “The bright lake reflects the heavens like a mirror” (Ming hu luo tianjing). As a former imperial villa, it is the northernmost of its kind in Japan and was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 1979.
The two-story wooden main building is a Western-style structure rooted in Renaissance design, characteristic of the Meiji era. Its elegant exterior features include a natural slate roof with an octagonal tower, a hip roof on the east wing, and a large hip roof on the main sections. Circular and semi-circular dormer windows add visual variety and refinement to the façade. Inside, Renaissance-inspired details continue throughout, from 26 marble mantelpieces to chandeliers in each room and ceiling medallions adorned with decorative paintings.
From April to November, visitors can enjoy activities such as trying on Meiji-era Western dresses or relaxing in the tearoom, where royal-style tea and sweets are served. You can look, experience, and savor-spending a truly elegant moment in this historic villa.
Highlights
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A refined Western-style residence built as an Imperial Family villa in the late Meiji era.
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Highlights include the many Renaissance-style design details found throughout the building.
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From spring to autumn, visitors can enjoy dress try-on experiences and royal-style tea.
Photos
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A Western-style building from the Meiji era, based on Renaissance design
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A marble mantelpiece decorated with British-made majolica tiles
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A guest room furnished with Rococo-style furniture and chandeliers
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A dining room that blends elegance with a dignified, stately atmosphere
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A dress try-on experience that lets you feel like a noble lady
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A royal tea experience enjoyed at the special tea corner
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
A
English leaflets and signs are available.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
Yes, it is.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
A
Not available.
Q
Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
A
Re-entry is not allowed.
Reviews
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Some reviews are AI-translated.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 天鏡閣
- Postal Code
- 969-3285
- Address
- 1048 Godenyama, Okinazawa, Inawashiromachi, Yamagun, Fukushima
- Telephone
- 0242-65-2811
- Closed
- Open every day
- Business Hours
- From May to October 8:30am - 5:00pm, From November to April 9:00am - 4:30pm（Last admission is 30 minutes before closing）
- Admission
- Entrance fee 370yen
- Access
- From JR Ban’etsu West Line Inawashiro Station, take the Aizu Bus bound for Kin no Hashi for about 9 minutes. Get off at the Nagahama bus stop, then walk about 10 minutes.
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)