Rare residences and gardens of the people who played an important role in the establishment of constitutional government in the Meiji era (1868-1912)

The Meiji Memorial Oiso Residence Garden is a must-visit destination for those who enjoy Japanese history, architecture and Meiji-era politics.

The Meiji Memorial Oiso Residence Garden preserves the homes and gardens of Hirofumi ITO, Shigenobu OKUMA, Munemitsu MUTSU, Kinmochi SAIONJI and others who played important roles in establishing a constitutional government during the Meiji period(1868-1912).

In memory of their achievements for future generations, the historical buildings and garden areas are being preserved and utilised in an integrated manner. This is a rare place where culture and nature can be enjoyed together.
“The former villas of Shigenobu OKUMA and FURUKAWA Family” and “The site of former villa of Munemitsu MUTSU and the former villa of FURUKAWA family” were used as residences, and study and reception rooms for guests.
The former villas of Shigenobu OKUMA and the FURUKAWA family, the site of the former villa of Munemitsu MUTSU, and the former villa of the FURUKAWA family were used as residences, studies and reception rooms for guests.

Oiso Town, which faces Sagami Bay, has been popular as a holiday home and resort for politicians, financiers and cultural figures since the Meiji era, thanks to its mild climate and magnificent sea views and mountains.
Many former prime ministers and prominent politicians have settled in the town, which is also known as the “back room of the political world”.
Many buildings collapsed and were badly damaged in the Great Kanto Earthquake, and although they have since been reconstructed, most retain their original appearance and are recognised as valuable historical buildings.

Three of the four residences in the garden have been designated as tangible cultural properties by the town of Oiso. Both the site of the former villa of Kinmochi SAIONJI and the former residence of Shigeaki IKEDA” have been selected as 100 best modern buildings of the Taisho (1912-1926) and Showa (1926–1989) periods by the Architectural Institute of Japan and the 100 best buildings in Kanagawa prefecture.


※ Tours of the buildings are currently not permitted as the buildings are undergoing restoration. Although the garden is also currently undergoing maintenance in preparation for the opening, walks are permitted, and the gardens of the villas: “The former villa of Shigenobu OKUMA and Ichibei FURUKAWA” and “The site of the former villa of Munemitsu MUTSU and the former villa of FURUKAWA family” are open.