Hike to: Tojo-tei 戸定邸 The "Last Shogun"s Estate @ Tojogaoka History Park!
Details
Discover: Matsudo Tojo-tei 戸定邸 at Tojo-gaoka History Park!
On Saturday, August 8th, from 1:30-3:30 pm we'll tour the beautiful forested hilltop estate & gardens of TOKUGAWA Akitake, the man who almost became: THE LAST SHOGUN!
In 1868, when the last Tokugawa shogun surrendered political power to the Emperor, the Edo era ended its 265-year history. A new, "Meiji" era began, the samurai were gone & people in the shogun's family retired, fading into obscurity.
Most people don't know what happened to the Tokugawa after that, but visiting this unique residence suggests a quiet life after the storm of war & regime-change ended.
https://www.city.matsudo.chiba.jp/tojo/
"The Phantom General who lived in Matsudo": https://www.city.matsudo.chiba.jp/tojo/kannkoubutu/reaf02.html
https://universalchiba.wordpress.com/2016/09/30/tojo-tei-house/
Built in 1884, Tojo-tei was the home of Prince Tokugawa Akitake, brother of the last Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu. Akitake was supposed to be the shogun after Yoshinobu retired, however the Edo-era was ended by "the Meiji restoration".
Prince Akitake, at the age 13, went to France to attend Paris Exposition held in 1867 as the representative of the Shogun. Instead of being the last Shogun, Akitake became the last lord of the Mito clan, but retired at the edge of 30 and lived the rest of his days in this residence Tojo-tei, named after the location Tojo, in Matsudo, Chiba, from which a nice view of Mt. Fuji can be seen on clear days.
@}:^)
This fine, sprawling house was designed in styles of Japanese architecture from both the Edo & Meiji eras. Though the home interior is simple, the building itself was made with the very best architectural materials. This house has had no damage, even after large earthquakes in the past!
A tall, superbly made fireproof storehouse or "kura" was built right into the house & the beautifully lacquered door still shines! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kura_(storehouse)
The minimalism, or "chic" simplicity present in this structure, a common feature of traditional Japanese architecture, creates a form of beauty. The garden behind the house is also an important element as it was designed so that seasonal flowers can be enjoyed when viewing from the rooms.
Visiting fine, old houses is popular among Japanese, young & old alike. If you go Tojo-tei, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, almost like a Zen world!
I & a dozen members had a very fine time last summer, relaxing on the tatami & enjoying the cool breezes there!
@}:^)
There's a small museum on the grounds of the estate, filled with many fascinating momentos, photos & possessions of the Tokugawa family.
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JR Matsudo Station is easily reached from Tokyo, or Chiba, by JR Joban Line, Shin-Keisei Line or Metro Chiyoda Line, 20 minutes with NO transfers on either the JR Joban Line from Nippori, or 42 minutes from Kasumigaseki on Metro Chiyoda Line!
Locate the East Exit, and we'll meet you there!
@}:^)
We'll climb the gentle hill not far from Matsudo station, tour the grounds of the estate, visit the museum & see the wonderful house where never-to-be-shogun Tokugawa Akitake lived & enjoyed designing his wide lawns, sweeping views, & European-influenced gardens.
Afterwards, you may join our Meetup for the riverside, "Kanzeon-Bodhisattva Lantern Festival", being held on the same day, not far from this historic estate!
We can enjoy roasted corn & other tasty festival foods, see (and make!) beautiful handmade paper lanterns floating down the Saka River, tour the elegant Matsudo Shinto Shrine, Taishoji Temple, enjoy drumming, singing, fire juggling, a yukata contest & much more!
https://www.meetup.com/Chiba-Tokyo-ACES/events/269705883/
Admission to house & museum is just:￥320
There's no set Meetup fee, but a donation of ￥500 -￥5000 to attend both Meetups is most appreciated!
Please join us for a day of fun, feasting, exploration & riverside enjoyment!
Until then,
Your Meetup organizer, Kerry D. @}:^)