Introduction to the Niigata Saitou Villa

The house and the garden as parts of a whole

The Niigata Saitou Villa was constructed over a four -This site was constructed with the concept of “Unity ofyear period from 1917 to 1920 by Kijuro Saitou Ⅳ, aa house and a garden” in mind. This means nowealthy merchant from the port town of Niigata. Heboundaries exist and create harmony between themade his fortune operating cargo ships ( Kitamaebune)

inside and outside. When you are inside, you feel likethat sailed the Japan Sea.

you are also in the garden.
Soon after you open the sliding glass doors facing theLocated on the 4,500 ㎡ of the estate, approximately

garden widely, you will feel one with the garden.

4,400 ㎡ of which are gardens. There are an entrance

Additionally, the house faces north to prevent of direct

garden, a courtyard and a main garden connected bysunlight from the garden, so the room stays cool. The

stepping stone - style paths.

stepped down corridor is half covered in tatami mats.

The main garden, in particular, makes skillful use ofBecause of this, when you sit inside and look over thethe area’s natural sand hill terrain to create a pleasantgarden, you feel as if the room, corridor and garden are

pathway to a teahouse named “Shokoan” and the

all level with one another.

teahouse garden.

The shape of bracken ferns are designed into thewoodwork of the handrails.

The Niigata Saitou Villa is characterized by its uniquedesign that integrates both the garden and building

About the Garden

into a single unit. The villa is an open structure with a

When you walk in the garden, you step on a stone path.

large garden that utilizes a gentle stream and pond.

The stones are also another part of the sceneries of theVisitors are drawn in by the beautiful sights during

garden. Near the entrance, there are flagstones placed

each and every season.

to create an air of formality while in garden, along withthe pond and waterfall, the fieldstones give off a softer

Large, overhanging , old pine trees form the backdrop

impression.

for the numerous maple trees (Acer japonicum) that

The stepping stones are placed so that the path splits

have been planted along the slope of the hill, between

and gently curves to either side to give visitors various

which a large waterfall and a rocky stream can be seen

angles from which to enjoy the garden.

flowing

into the garden pond below.
There are around 1,000 trees and shrubs of 80 different

Numerous stones native to the area are used tovarieties in addition to the pine and maple trees in thedecorate the landscape and lure the eye, creating agarden. The leaves and flowers of the bamboo and ume

tranquil atmosphere along with the vibrant moss.

(Japanese plum) trees, also mokkoku, azalea andcommon camellia, are generally preferred in theThis location was used as a place to receive honored

Japanese culture.

guests on behalf of Niigata including many famous
politicians to businessmen. Today, the site has been

The grounds are covered in moss and grass that makeconverted to public ownership through preservation

for a lush and calming atmosphere.

efforts by local city residents, and it is a beloved local

particularly vibrant after it rains.

cultural heritage enjoyed by many.

The moss is extremely delicate so please be careful tonot step on it. .

The gardens feelAdmission
Individuals: Adults- 300 yen; Elementary/juniorhigh school students- 100 yen Group of 20+: Adults240 yen; Elementary/junior high school students- 80
yen Preschool children- Free
Hours of Operation
April 1st to September 30th Tues.-Sun.: 9:30
a.m.~6:00 p.m.
October 1st to March 31st Tues.-Sun.: 9:30
a.m.~5:00 p.m.
Days Closed*Mondays (When a holiday is on Monday, we will be
open but closed on Tuesday instead.)*Days after a holiday (When a holiday is either
Saturday or Sunday, it is closed both Monday andTuesday.)*New Year Holidays from Dec. 28th to Jan. 3rd.
Bus
From the Niigata Station Bandai Exit Bus Terminal,-Get on the “Niigata City Loop Bus” (or “NiigatashiKanko Junkan” bus) that picks up in stall #2, get off
at “Hoppo Bunka Hakubutsukan Niigata Bunkanmae (Iriguchi)” and walk 2 minutes.
-Get on the C20, C21, or C22 “Hamaura-cho” line
bus that picks up in stall #7, get off at “Nishi Ohata”
and walk 6 minutes.
By Taxi
Tell your taxi driver that you want to go to “Kyuu
Saitouke Bettei.” If the driver doesn’t know where itis, tell the driver to go to “Ikinariya (an authenticJapanese restaurant)” in Nishi Ohata-cho.
Parking
There is no parking at the Saitou Villa. Please use apaid parking lot nearby as well as free parking at
the Niigata City Art Museum’s 2nd parking lot (5minutes away by foot).