Horiteien is a beautiful traditional Japanese house nestled in a lush green mountainside along the river in the historic castle town of Tsuwano in Shimane. Situated at the foot of a mountain, the house and grounds are enclosed in white and blue plastered nameko walls that sit high on a stone foundation overlooking the river. Crossing over the bridge the sound of the flowing river and the cool breeze from the river made for the most wonderful welcome.
The late Edo period house retains many of its original features and charm. In addition to its original irori (open hearth fireplace) and kamado (a traditional Japanese stove), above the irori hangs a beautiful copper pot which gives visitors a hint into the source of the Hori family’s wealth; copper.
Family Fortune
Records show that the Hori family came to Tsuwano during the Kamakura period as a retainer to the Yoshimi family; a branch of the powerful Genji family. Responsible for the local village, the patriarch of the Hori historically served the Yoshimi as a magistrate of the local area. During the Sengoku period, mining expeditions carried out by the Yoshimi revealed that the village which the Hori family oversaw contained copper. Under the newly formed Tokugawa government, the Hori grew wealthy as the new magistrates of the copper mines of Western Japan.
Meiji Era Teahouse
Horiteien also boasts an amazing Meiji Era tea house with an exquisite traditional Japanese garden built by the 15th generation of the family. Highly acclaimed for its beautiful koi pond, Rakusansouteien (楽山荘庭園), welcomes groups of eager photographers each year hoping to catch the Autumn leaves at their peak. Painstakingly crafted to perfection with every attention paid to the finest detail Rakusanso is a treat for any lover of traditional Japanese architecture and/or tea enthusiast.
Horiteien is open all year 9:00am to 16:30pm from Tuesday through Sundays. And open on Mondays during the month of November only. There is parking available and general admission is 500 yen.