Saito Villa

This place was SO beautiful and absolutely worth the 300 yen entrance fee. If you’re visiting here and the Northern Culture Museum in the same day, you can get a discount ticket. I also included a picture of the map with the free parking area they have just outside of the gate. When I visited on a weekday morning just after opening, I basically had the place all to myself. Keep in mind that during rainy weather, you can’t go out in the garden. It was still a lovely place to take some nice pictures and enjoy the peace and quiet of the rain falling (and koi loudly slurping on the rocks in the pond). I would love to visit again during autumn.

When I was there, the guide spoke English well enough to explain some basics, and there is English language signage as well. The garden is pretty amazing in its variety — basically the guy who built the mansion created a full Japanese garden in his backyard. Waterfalls, river, bamboo, flowers, moss, rocks, autumn colors — the whole bit. Take a few moments to admire how the view changes depending on what window you look out from! Overall I recommend stopping by if you are in Niigata on a nice day.

A very peaceful and beautiful place. The architecture is of traditional Japanese style and the yard has a small lake surrounded by different kinds of staggered trees. You can sit there and have a cup of tea and cake there, a very relaxing experience. Highly recommended!!

Beautiful historical Japanese home. Garden and ho.e were so nice. Handicap accessible though garden is not. Can see plenty from the house. Bathrooms are very clean. Parking down street in garages. Ladies here are so helpful.

Truly amazing mansion with beautiful garden view. When I sit in the living room facing the garden, I can see myself living here with a lovely family. A house is where people gather and daily life happens. I love this place for its delicate design , and also the traditions and values it stands for.