Facing the calm Seto Inland Sea, Marugame City in Kagawa Prefecture has flourished as a crucial maritime hub since ancient times, serving as the starting point for pilgrims and goods heading to Konpira Shrine. At the center of this historically rich city stands the beautiful high stone walls, which boast the highest in Japan, along with the castle tower that has existed since the Edo period, still conveying a dignified pride.
"Marugame Castle Enjyukaku Bekkan Kazeno Heritage" is a completely private heritage villa that stands alone within the grounds of this castle, which can be considered a treasure of Japan. Originally built as a guest room for welcoming dignitaries, this Registered Tangible Cultural Property offers an unparalleled sense of satisfaction as you occupy it as your own private retreat.
Beautiful architecture cherished by noble families and viscounts, with an overwhelming view of the Sanuki Plain. Just immersing oneself in the history and culture created by the ancestors' exquisite aesthetic sense fills the heart with a mysterious sense of satisfaction. It is an exquisite private stay that can only be experienced within the tranquility of the castle.
Protected by the main keep and high stone walls,
it monopolizes a tranquil time
Marugame Castle, built on Kameyama at an elevation of about 66 meters, is also referred to as the 'stone castle.' Just above the magnificent curved high stone walls known as 'fan slopes,' Enjyukaku Bekkan is situated. After the general tourists have left and the gates are closed, only guests are permitted to enter the castle, which is enveloped in overwhelming silence.
Gazing up at the castle that rises fantastically against the night sky, I reflect on the history of the people who once traveled from the Seto Inland Sea through this castle town to offer prayers at Konpira Shrine. Walking while feeling the mystical castle enveloped in morning mist and the winds of the Seto Inland Sea that change with each moment adds profound depth to the memories of my journey.
A time spent completely detached from the daily hustle and bustle, surrounded by the ancient beauty of Japan at a castle ruin. As you gently open your five senses and simply stand there, the majestic scenery and the weight of history that the former lords must have gazed upon envelop you softly.
Architectural beauty of cultural properties
marking the early Showa period
The stage for the stay is the "Enjyukaku Bekkan," built in 1933 and designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. This luxurious space, which maintains the dignity of an old feudal lord's residence, is imbued with the warmth of trees that have deepened in character over many years, along with the elegant design of a traditional study.
The interior, built using the traditional wooden stone construction method, is abundantly adorned with carefully selected fine woods such as Yakusugi, keyaki, and pine. Because the entire building is rented out, it offers a luxurious experience where guests can exclusively enjoy the dignified tatami rooms (15 tatami mats in the western room and 10 tatami mats in the eastern room) that extend in a connected manner from east to west, without any interruptions.
Delicate transom carvings expressing plants such as paulownia, and decorative hardware that combines practicality and beauty, represent the traditional techniques that gathered the essence of the time, still pleasantly stimulating the senses of visiting guests. You can immerse yourself in the designs that have been evolving since the Showa era and enjoy a moment of tranquility in dialogue with history.
Historical background of cultural properties
The core of 'Enjyukaku Bekkan' is its deep background connected to the history of the Marugame domain and the Kyogoku family.
Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building)
"Enjyukaku Bekkan"
Enjyukaku Bekkan was constructed in 1933 (Showa 8) as a guest room for the guesthouse "Enjyukaku" located within the San-no-Maru of Marugame Castle. The name is derived from the term used for the retirement room of the sixth lord of the Marugame domain, Takakuro Kyogoku. During its renovation, part of the residence of Viscount Takashu Kyogoku, which was located in Azabu, Tokyo, was transferred and relocated to this site.
The main building, once cherished as a guesthouse and a venue for cultural activities for citizens, was demolished in 1985 (Showa 60), but this annex has been carefully preserved and is being newly utilized as accommodation starting in 2024 (Reiwa 6). It embodies the historical background of the guesthouse established in a regional city and conveys the refined lifestyle that is not bound by the extravagance of the viscount's family, representing the pride of Marugame.
Breath of craftsmanship
by master artisans throughout the building
The space of Enjyukaku Bekkan is shaped by carefully selected natural materials and the exquisite craftsmanship left by the renowned artisans of the time. The Japanese aesthetic, which values the texture of the materials themselves and harmony with the landscape while avoiding extravagant decorations, is alive throughout the building.
Kyogoku family's design,
openwork transom and the play of light and shadow
The upper parts of the shoji that separate the western and eastern rooms, as well as the transom above the study, feature beautiful openwork carvings of plants such as paulownia. Additionally, on the southern side of the two-room connected tatami area, there is a snow-viewing shoji with glass at the bottom, which serves as a functional beauty, allowing guests to enjoy the outside scenery while seated even when the shoji is closed. Please enjoy a rich moment unique to cultural heritage architecture, surrounded by the soft light that filters into the room and the beautiful shadows created by the delicate fittings.
The texture created by the materials,
the warmth of Yakusugi and Zelkova
The main ceiling is composed of a highly formal double-beam ceiling, featuring very precious Yakusugi (with five panels in the west room and six panels in the east room). Additionally, the tokonoma (alcove) in the west room uses keyaki wood for both the floor pillars and the flooring, while the ceiling around the floor and the ceiling in the east room are finished with a technique called 'ukizuri' using pine wood, which highlights the beauty of the wood grain. One can feel the texture of the cherry wood on the wide veranda, which is meant to be touched barefoot, as well as the exquisite designs of the beautiful nail covers placed throughout to conceal the nail heads, showcasing the artisans' attention to detail.
Beautifully framing nature,
the "view" from the wide veranda
The wide corridor, approximately 1.08 meters in width, located on the south side of the building, is also a major attraction of this architecture. From the corridor, which has been transformed into a glass door during renovations, one can beautifully capture the vast landscape of the Marugame Plain, taking advantage of its excellent location on the southern edge of the Sannomaru stone wall. From this prime spot, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the ridges of symbolic mountains of Sanuki, including Sanuki Fuji (Iinoyama), the Ayauta Three Mountains, Gotozan, and Omoyama. Thanks to the traditional Japanese design that gently connects the indoor space with nature outside, one can feel the changing scenery of the original landscape just by sitting there.
Shedding everyday life and
merging with the breath of Marugame Castle.
Protected by the designs carved into cultural assets, one quietly surrenders to the moment. It is the beginning of a rich and untainted time, listening to the sound of the wind once loved by noble people and cherishing the breathtaking views of Sanuki that unfold before one's eyes.
The overwhelming presence of Japan's highest stone walls, the historical tranquility exuded by the existing castle tower, and the refined space of Enjyukaku Bekkan, where the craftsmanship of artisans still thrives. The proud rhythm that flows through this land deeply regulates your breathing and beautifully eliminates the noise of everyday life.
This is not just mere "tourism"; it is a journey that traces the memories of Japan's treasures, the castles, and gently envelops you in the aesthetic sensibilities of our predecessors. Because of the free lodging style, you can open your heart to the winds of Marugame and enjoy a luxurious moment where simply existing here fills your heart. Experience a stay that allows you to rediscover your true self, something you cannot encounter in ordinary travel.