Upon entering a narrow side street from the path of Nanzenji Temple, you will find the front gate of Kikusui and then a scenic approach to the main entrance. The smell of the soil and the faint fragrance of flowers flutter in the wind, and it feels as if the entire living biotope of nature of the garden itself is welcoming its guests.
Arriving at the entrance, your attention will be captured by Nobuyuki Yoshimoto's artwork. The stunning “Carp / Exceeds the Speed of Light” a artwork made of of stainless steel, reflects the image of the powerful and lively koi carp of the garden and also expresses Kikusui’s serene flow of time in the past, present, and future.
On the spacious site of nearly 2710 square meters lies a Japanese garden with a central pond,
created by Ogawa Jihei VII, known as the pioneer of modern gardens.
Sukiya-style buildings, full of the essence of Japanese architecture, stand around this garden and a time of serenity created by the beautiful changing nature of each of the four seasons flow through this space.
THE POND
The garden's pond is said to imitate the shape of Lake Biwa, and it carries the wishes of Ueji, who wished for the blessings of the water from Lake Biwa Canal to enrich the lives of people it touched. The koi carp swimming in the pond are also full of radiant vitality, and their graceful movements provide a feeling of serenity and relaxation to those who gaze upon them.
SEASON TERRACE
The terrace which incorporates Western design elements, provides an amazing viewpoint of the 200 year old red pine tree, as well as the panorama of the four seasons: weeping cherry blossoms in spring, irises in early summer, autumn foliage in fall, and a snowy landscape in winter.
PRIVATE TIME
All three annexes were designed and constructed under the concept of a tea room and Roji (tea garden) and can be used as a private dining room or a space to celebrate special and memorable moments.
Architectural Design
“It is absolutely impossible to recreate the elements of Kikusui from scratch, such as the spacious and elegant gardens and buildings.
That's why we carefully consider how to make changes and create new designs and spaces, clearly distinguishing what needs be preserved from what should be transformed.
We are not looking to destroy the traditions or the time-honored aspects which Kikusui has inherited. Instead, we aim to design the space by changing the 'mise-en-scène' while preserving the emotional connections of the past.
As Kikusui evolves with the times, its way of captivating guets will become more versatile, and the scope of its space will expand."
