This perfect walled in garden just down the hill from Nanzen-ji Temple is a brilliant place to escape the crowds that plague the big-name spots of Higashiyama.
image © Damien Douxchamps
The villa of prominent Meiji Era statesman Yamagata Aritomo, who played a pivotal role in the Russo-Japanese war, Murin-an villa is the ultimate in secret gardens. Hidden behind plain walls, you could easily pass right by it and ignore the place entirely (which is exactly what most visitors do). But those who enter the narrow gateway at the southern end of the compound are rewarded by a tranquil garden centered on a lovely pond. The two main buildings serve as perfect examples of the changes Japan was going through at the time of the villas construction (around the turn of last century): One is traditionally Japanese, the other is built along Western lines and includes Western-style seats (it was here that important meetings were held to discuss Japan’s military actions against Russia). The villa is most beautiful in autumn, when the many maple trees turn a brilliant array of reds, oranges and yellows.
English address:
31 Kusagawa-cho, Nanzen-ji, Sakyo-ku
Japanese address:
左京区南禅寺草川町31
Opening hours:
9am to 5pm (until 6pm April to September)
Admission:
Y600
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
7 min walk from Keage Station, Tozai subway line
Telephone: 366-0033
Website:
Official Website (English)
Near To Here:
Murin-an Villa is located in Kyoto’s Northern Higashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Northern Higashiyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help