The Niigata City Manga House

The Niigata Saitou Villa was constructed in four years from 1917 to 1920 by Kijuro Saitou IV, a wealthy merchant from Niigata that prospered as a port city. During the end of early 1860s the Saitou family developed their Japanese sake wholesale business and got involved in the shipping business in about 1870s. Kijuro made his fortune operating the “kitamaebune”(cargo ships) that sailed the Sea of Japan.
Utilizing the natural sand dunes in the design of the garden, the 4,500 square meters of land includes the two-floor, wooden frame main house, a storehouse and a teahouse. The building was constructed with the concept of “unity of a garden and a home”, means that the boundaries between “inside” and “outside” are blurred, there is harmony, and they feel as one.
There are around 1000 trees and shrubs of 80 varieties in addition to the pine and maple trees in the garden. Between the trees a large waterfall and a rocky stream can be seen flowing into the garden pond below. Stones native to the area are used to decorate the landscape, and along with the fresh moss, create a tranquil atmosphere.
Through all four seasons, you can enjoy the Japanese tea while looking over the garden. ”