Former Ikeda Family Gardens

What it is

• A Japanese garden from the late Meiji to Taisho periods.
• Garden of the Ikeda family, prominent local landowners.
• Designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 2004.
• Covers approximately 42,000 square meters.

What to see

• Garden layout shaped like a tortoise shell.
• Large snow-viewing lantern, 4 meters in diameter.
• Western-style building completed in 1922.
• First reinforced concrete structure in Akita Prefecture.
• Building designated a National Important Cultural Property.
• Moat with stone walls and earthworks surrounds the garden.

When to go

• Open to the public from May to November.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.