The main Western building was designed by Josiah Conder, who is often called the 'father of modern Japanese architecture' and also designed the Rokumeikan in Tokyo.
The mansion survived the extensive bombing of Kuwana during World War II, which destroyed much of the surrounding city.
The estate was used as a filming location for several Japanese period dramas due to its authentic Taisho-era preservation.
The pond is designed as a 'stroll-style' garden, a traditional landscape technique intended to reveal new views at every turn of the path.
The interior contains a blend of authentic Western furniture from the early 20th century alongside traditional Japanese tatami rooms.
Rokkaen, also known as the former Morito Moro residence, is a historic villa in Kuwana, Mie, designed by the British architect Josiah Conder in 1913. The estate features a distinct juxtaposition of a four-story Western-style wooden building with a cupola and a sprawling, traditional Japanese-style residential annex. The mansion was designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 1991. Visitors can tour the interior, which retains original design elements including ornate ceiling plasterwork and tiled fireplaces. The surrounding landscape garden incorporates a large pond and strolling paths that utilize the natural elevation of the Ibi River area. It served as the private residence of the wealthy businessman Seiroku Moro, the second head of the Moro family. The property reflects the Meiji and Taisho era trend of 'Wayo-secchu,' the intentional architectural fusion of Japanese and Western styles. The site covers approximately 11,000 square meters, offering panoramic views of the Ibi and Nagara rivers from its observation room.
The view of the Western-style mansion from the edge of the pond looking back toward the cupola.
Remove your shoes before entering the interior sections as is standard practice for historic Japanese residences.
Focus on the transition points between the Western and Japanese wings to see the structural shift in construction techniques.
Visit the second-floor observation room to see the confluence of the local rivers.
Do not attempt to touch the historic furniture or the original wallpaper, as much of the preservation is delicate.
Closed on Mondays. If a national holiday falls on a Monday, it closes the following day.
Shoes must be removed at the entrance; photography rules for interiors are strictly enforced and may forbid flash.
