Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.
Rinkokaku
Illuminated at night! Experience the refined beauty of this traditional Japanese architectural masterpiece.
Rinkokaku, located in Gunma Prefecture, is a prestigious wooden structure built in the traditional Japanese style and designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The grounds feature three elegant buildings—Main Hall, Tea House, and Annex—transporting visitors to a bygone era.
Originally constructed in September 1884 as a guesthouse, the Main Hall hosted numerous members of the Imperial Family, including Emperor Meiji. Its sukiya-style design reflects refined Japanese aesthetics and creates a serene, sophisticated atmosphere. Just two months later, a tranquil tea house was added, and in 1910, the Annex was built. The second floor of the Annex boasts a spacious 180-tatami hall (approx. 300 m²), where renowned modern poet Sakutaro Hagiwara is said to have held his wedding ceremony.
At night, the buildings are illuminated, transforming the solemn elegance of the daytime into a magical spectacle. Lights in hues like pale “Shinbashi blue,” once a popular color in the Meiji era, and deep aubergine “nasu-kon” bathe the structures in a dreamy glow—captivating all who visit.
Highlights
-
A traditional wooden structure designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
-
Visitors can explore three distinct buildings: the Main Hall, the Tea House, and the Annex.
-
The buildings are illuminated at night, creating a magical, dreamlike atmosphere against the evening sky.
Photos
-
The main building, embodying the elegance of traditional Japanese architecture, was once used as a guesthouse for dignitaries.
-
The grand hall on the second floor of the annex, spanning 180 tatami mats (approximately 300 square meters), is truly breathtaking.
-
The nighttime illumination completely transforms the atmosphere!
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
Yes, brochures and signs are available in both Japanese and English. Some signs also feature QR codes that allow access to information in multiple languages.
Q
Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available. (User registration is required. Japan Wi-Fi auto-connect)
Q
Are coin lockers available?
Not available.
Q
Are there any smoking areas?
Not available. No smoking is allowed on the premises.
Q
Can I bring my pet inside?
Pets in carriers are allowed on the premises, but they are not permitted inside the buildings (with the exception of service dogs).
Q
Is there parking available?
Please use the parking lot at Maebashi Park, which has space for up to 200 vehicles.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 臨江閣
- Postal Code
- 371-0026
- Address
- 3-15 Otemachi, Maebashi City, Gunma
- Telephone
- 027-231-5792
- Closed
- Mondays(if Monday is a national holiday, the facility will be open on Monday and closed the following day), From December 29th to January 3rd
- Business Hours
- 9:00am - 5:00pm(Admission allowed until 4:30pm)
- Admission
- Free
- Access
-
(1)About 10 minutes by car from JR Maebashi Station.
(2)About 15 minutes by car from Kan-etsu Expressway Maebashi Interchange. - Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)