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Rinkokaku

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State guest house in modern Japanese-style architecture nearby the Tone River in Maebashi

Built in 1884 as a state guest house for Gunma Prefecture, Rinkokaku is a retro wooden architectural structure in a modern-Japanese style. The annex building was constructed in 1910, and the entirety of the main building, annex and tea house are designated as an Important Cultural Property. The main building is a two-story traditional Japanese wooden structure, and the 180-jo (around 300 square meters) hall on the second floor of the annex is a sight to behold. The name "Rinko" comes from the Japanese phrase to mean "overlooking the Tone River."

Main building

The state guest house was constructed upon the suggestion of Motohiko Katori, prefectural governor of Gunma at the time, and through the support of local contributors, banks, and other corporations including the mayor of Maebashi City. The building was erected in an area facing the Tone River and with a view of Mount Myogi and Mount Asama in the distance. During the Meiji period (1868-1912), Rinkokaku welcomed numerous members of the imperial family, including Emperor Meiji and Emperor Taisho. Currently, the building is lit up every night to display its graceful beauty. (Illumination continues until the end of October 2020 (planned).)

Annex building

The annex was built in 1910 as a guest house for honored guests, and its bold appearance amazes visitors. The first floor includes a 60-jo (around 100 square meters) Western-style wooden-floor hall and seven Japanese-style rooms, while the second floor has a large 180-jo hall that was said to have been lively with many guests.

Tea house

The tea house was constructed in 1884 by Genbei Imai, a shrine carpenter of Kyoto. It is said that Governor Katori, who was extremely moved by the people of Maebashi for their support of the prefectural government and building of the government staff housing, funded the tea house together with prefectural government staff. The tea house is designed to value the Japanese tea aesthetic of "Wabi" (imperfections).

Location

Name Rinkokaku
Website https://www.visitgunma.jp/en/sightseeing/detail.php?sightseeing_id=112Opens in a new window. In the case of an external site, it may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.
Address 3-15 Ote-machi, Maebashi-shi, Gunma
Access From JR Maebashi Station, take the Gunma Chuo Bus bound for Shin-Maebashi Station West Exit for approximately 10 minutes, then get off at Yuenchi Sakashita bus stop and walk for approximately 5 minutes
Business Hours 9:00 to 17:00 (Last admission: 16:30)
Closed Every Monday (Open when Monday is a public holiday, and closed on the nearest weekday), year-end and New Year's holidays (December 29 to January 3)
Inquiries TEL: 027-231-5792
Admission Free

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