The Former Goto Lord's Residence and Garden 五島氏庭園隠殿屋敷・心字が池

A nationally designated tourist attraction; the construction of this hidden palace of the Goto Family took almost 2 years to complete.

This residence was built by Lord Moriakira Goto (the 30th head of the Goto family) in 1861 as a retirement villa on the grounds of Fukue Castle (also known as Ishida Castle). The construction of the villa took nearly two years to complete, and even now, the fine details of the exquisite workmanship can still be seen throughout the entire house. Its garden is also a quaint one designed by a Buddhist monk named Zensho, and it models after the famous Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto. The garden also has a pond called “Shinji-ga-ike”, as it is in the shape of the kanji character “心”, meaning “heart”.

Other neat details that can be seen within the garden include the 36 turtle-shaped rocks, the old hidden escape route, castle stone walls, and also a giant camphor tree that is over 800 years old! In 1991, this garden was designated as a “National Scenic Beauty” because of its rarity of having a garden and villa within the former castle grounds.

If you’re lucky, you might meet the heir of Goto Lord in person when you visit the villa, who is now the 35th head of the Goto family!

About open days　

1. The general public
　The exhibition will be open to the public in two installments: three months in the spring and three months in the fall.
(1) Autumn period
　September -November
　① Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
　②Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
(2) Spring period
　April - June
①Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
　②Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

2. Open to the public by group reservation
(1) Open to the public
　　All year round
　 *Not applicable
①Year-end and New Year's holidays (Dec. 27 - Jan. 8)
　 ②January, July, and August.
(2) Group requirements
　 10 or more people (paid admission)
(3) Advance reservation method
　　Please apply by the 20th of the previous month.
　　We will provide you with a response to your acceptance.
　　Phone & Fax: ＋81-959-72-3519

General Information

The Former Goto Lord's Residence and Garden 五島氏庭園隠殿屋敷・心字が池

A nationally designated tourist attraction; the construction of this hidden palace of the Goto Family took almost 2 years to complete.

General Information

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