If you take the Normal Yanagawa River Cruise Course, the cruise finishes near Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana (柳川藩主立花邸 御花). The spot where over 400 years of history and nature blend together is the must-visit in Yanagawa. Surrounded by a moat, like a castle, the complex was the villa of the Tachibana clan (立花家) that led the Yanagawa Domain (柳川藩). The entire grounds, covering 23,000m2, have been designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty. In fact, it is the only National Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan where you can spend overnight in Japan. Thus, if you have extra cash to splash, book your night in Yanagawa with Yanagawa Tachibana-tei!
Yanagawa Tachibana-tei in Modern Japan
After the Edo period, the villa became the main residence of the Tachibana family, whose head was granted the title of Earl.
While the family did well in the early 20th century, the former aristocracy fell into poverty due to land reform, property taxes, and inheritance taxes. Out of necessity, the family decided to use the residence to run a restaurant business in 1950. The news shocked the locals, and many weren’t optimistic about the idea.
Although it took a long time for the restaurant ryokan to get on track, Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana has become a tourist hub for Yanagawa and is loved by many people as a cultural facility that conveys the Daimyo culture to the present day.
Tip: Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana’s restaurant Taigetsukan (レストラン対月館) has a plant-based menu, Vegetarian Seiro (ベジタリアンセイロ). Please reserve at least three days beforehand.
Spending a Night at Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana
Thus, if you have extra cash to splash, book your night in Yanagawa with Yanagawa Tachibana-tei!
The ryokan celebrated its 75th anniversary with its renewal opening. There are 20 Japanese-style rooms in total, each with its unique style in 8 different types. If the room you book faces Shōtōen Garden, you can admire the garden and the architecture, both designated as national cultural properties, from your room. With the hospitality provided by the kind staff who are attentive to detail, your stay at Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana will be delightful. It is also one of the best places in Kyūshū to spend a romantic night with your partner.
The guest rooms are equipped with environmentally friendly amenities such as natural bath amenities, mineral water in paper cartons, and bamboo toothbrushes and combs.
No matter which room you choose, it comes with comfortable Western mattresses and a modern shower and bathtub.
As a ryokan guest, you can enjoy the slow pace of time while feeling the history of the Tachibana family in this 400-year legacy of the Tachibana clan. This includes exploring the museum, garden, and the Western building freely. A free guided tour is also offered in the late afternoon.
At night, Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana is enveloped in a quiet atmosphere, a stark contrast to the bustling vibe during the day. To allow the guests to enjoy the garden view, Shōtōen is lit up at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere around different parts of the vast ground.
The breakfast served overlooking the garden is especially special.
Important: If you have special dietary requirements, please let the ryokan know at least a week in advance before your arrival.
Seiyō-kan (西洋館)
The first thing you see after entering Ohana is the beautiful white Western-style building. It was completed in 1910 under the instruction of the 14th head of the Tachibana clan as a State Guest House. The building was modeled after the Rokumeikan (鹿鳴館) in Tokyo. As it was built to host key officials, Seiyō-kan is very luxurious and stylish. Once inside the two-story wooden structure, you can adore the impressive plaster walls and red carpets that line the corridors. The furniture and crockeries are all from the past century.
Apparently, the Tachibana family’s lighting was powered by electricity generated on-site back then.
Rokumeikan was a large two-story building in Tokyo commissioned for the housing of foreign guests by the then Foreign Minister Inoue Kaoru. It was designed by British architect Josiah Conder and became a symbol of Westernisation in the Meiji period.
The building is now also a popular venue for weddings and parties.
Shōtōen Garden (松濤園)
Yanagawa Tachibana-tei’s garden at the back of Seiyō-kan is one of the reasons that the spot was designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Together with the Seiyō-kan, Shōtōen was refreshed. With 280 black pines, 1,500 garden stones, seasonal flowers, and stone lanterns, a magnificent view is created. The huge stone, Kutsunugiishi (沓脱石), is said to have been moved from the base of the old castle tower. In winter, you can enjoy the view of flocks of wild ducks flying in to play here.
The best spot to appreciate the beauty of Shōtōen is from the villa’s Grand Hall (本館大広間). With a size of 100 tatami mats, you can adorn the garden from various angles.
Tip: Remember to look up for the golden samurai helmets hanging in the hallway in front of the Great Hall (refer to the last photo in the left Instagram post above). It is said that these helmets were worn by the soldiers of the Tachibana clan’s first lord. More than 200 helmets remain today.
Tachibana Museum (立花家史料館)
As its name suggests, the museum collects around 5,000 items belonging to the Tachibana clan’s history and contribution to the domain as a feudal lord family. Through the samurai armors, crafts, and old documents of the Tachibana clan, you will get a glimpse into the samurai era.
One item you shouldn’t miss is the armor of Tachibana Muneshige (立花宗茂), the first lord of Yanagawa, who was known as a righteous and brave general. It is a magnificent armor with a practical design that is lean and practical. At the same time, the crescent-shaped front plate on the helmet gives the armor a gorgeous look.
Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana’s Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
- Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana is open from 10 am to 4 pm.
- The admission cost is
- 1,200 yen for adults
- 500 yen for senior high school students
- 400 yen for elementary and junior high school students
- Yanagawa Tachibana-tei Ohana is a 40-minute walk from Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station (西鉄柳川駅). You can either take a bus or Yanagawa River Boat to get to the facility.
- If you plan to take a bus, get off at Ohana-mae (御花前). Use one of Japan’s Transport Apps to plan your visit.
Discover What Else to Do in Yanagawa
Among the destinations good for a day trip from Fukuoka‘s city center, Yanagawa is one of our favorites. The city, which flourished as a castle town during the Edo period, retains the atmosphere of old Japan. It is crisscrossed with a network of canals and is known as the Town of Water. Apart from taking a traditional boat and travelling down the 930-km canal, the city has several more charms awaiting you to discover.
For more information, refer to our article on Yanagawa!
