A Tranquil Tea Ceremony Amidst the Serene Beauty of the Shimizu Residence Garden, Yusuitei【Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture】

The Enshu Yokosuka district, located in the southern part of Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a warm and inviting area facing the Enshu Sea. This town, once a flourishing castle town centered around Yokosuka Castle, retains its historic charm with preserved buildings and old townscapes. The Shimizu Residence Garden, situated in front of the Shin-Yokosuka bus stop, is a highlight of this district.

Originally the residence of the Shimizu family, affluent local merchants, the garden has been meticulously maintained and transformed into a stunning public park. Recognized as one of the “100 Best Places to Visit in Shizuoka Prefecture” on December 20, 1991, it attracts numerous visitors from within Japan and abroad. The Shimizu Residence Garden offers a perfect setting to immerse oneself in traditional Japanese culture amidst its picturesque landscapes.

This article will explore the enchanting Shimizu Residence Garden and the unique tea experience at Yusuitei.

Introducing Shimizu Residence Garden

The Shimizu Residence Garden is a beautiful garden extending south of the Shimizu residence, located in Nishiobuchi, Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

▲Omote-mon（front gate） Gate of Shimizu Residence Garden

Entering through the front gate, visitors will find a Kaiyushiki-style garden at the back of the building. On December 20, 1991, it was recognized as one of the “100 Best Waterside Gardens in Shizuoka Prefecture.”

The Shimizu family, who operated a prosperous shipping business during the Edo period (1603-1867), were reputed to be as wealthy as feudal lords. The garden, as viewed from the arbor, offers stunning seasonal vistas and opportunities for bird-watching. Visitors can enjoy plum blossoms from mid-January to early February, cherry blossoms and fresh greenery in spring, and vibrant autumn leaves from mid-November to early December.

Free parking is available near the back gate. For those using public transportation, it is recommended to take a bus from Fukuroi Station, which takes about 30 minutes.

▲Ura-mon (Back gate) of Shimizu Residence Garden

About The Main Residence of the Shimizu Family

The Shimizu Residence was the home of the Shimizu family, a prosperous clan during the Genroku era (1688-1704) of the Edo period. The family thrived by operating a shipping agency and serving as purveyors to the local clan. The main residence, which faces Yokosuka Highway, is open to the public only on Sundays.

The head of the Shimizu family was traditionally named “Yasorō Shimizu” for generations. Their prosperity was so well-known that a popular song of the time included the line, “I can’t be Yasorō, but at least I can be a lord.” After the Meiji Restoration, the family closed their shipping wholesale business. Yasorō VI, also known as Koichiro Shimizu, then became notable for his role as a postmaster.

▲Statue of Koichiro who assumed the name of Yasorō VI.

The Shimizu Residence holds a rich history of transition, evolving from a bustling shipping agency to a functional post office building. This transformation is reflected even in the architectural details, such as the roof tiles of the main residence, which still bear traces of this change, including the engraved postal symbol.

Linked seamlessly to the garden, the main residence of the Shimizu family can be accessed from the rear, offering visitors a glimpse into its historical significance and architectural charm.

TTea Ceremony Experience at Yusuitei

At Yusuitei, nestled within the serene Shimizu Residence garden, visitors are treated to a quintessential Japanese tea ceremony experience. Housed in a traditional sukiya-style building, guests can immerse themselves in the age-old ritual guided by a seasoned tea ceremony instructor. As visitors savor each moment, their gaze will wander over the captivating Shimizu Residence garden, its beauty evolving with the shifting seasons, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the tea experience.

Even in Shizuoka, authentic tea ceremony experiences are a rarity, offering a chance to savor matcha and sencha prepared before your eyes by a skilled tea master. The menu, reflecting the season and day of the week, promises a delightful surprise with each visit. Admission, available until 3:30 pm, is priced at 510 yen for high school students and older, and 250 yen for junior high school students and younger.

While the tea presentation maintains an air of refinement, it’s a relaxed affair, free from the constraints of formal tea ceremony etiquette. Don’t fret about getting every detail right; simply savor the moment. Despite the dignified atmosphere, the tea ceremony instructor encourages guests to enjoy themselves without feeling overwhelmed. So, embrace the experience and let the tranquility of the tea ceremony wash over you.

“Don’t worry about rules; just enjoy the moment!” exclaimed the tea ceremony instructor. With his reassuring words, anyone can unwind and fully appreciate the tea ceremony experience.

(Although traditionally, sweets are consumed while the tea is served, this time, we were graciously granted a special opportunity to photograph the tea and sweets as a set. It’s a testament to the welcoming atmosphere of this tea ceremony, where guests are encouraged to savor not only the flavors but also the memories captured through their lenses.)

Seating is available at tables, making the experience accessible for those with limited mobility. You can also enjoy your tea on the engawa of the restaurant, offering a unique and scenic spot for your visit.

When you order amazake, you can select your favorite bowl from a collection of exquisite lacquerware, including Edo period Wajima lacquerware and Tsugaru lacquerware, all originally belonging to the Shimizu family.

The amazake, made with malt purchased from a local maltster in the Yokosuka area, is pleasantly mild and easy to drink. After savoring the amazake, refresh your palate with a cup of sencha green tea, completing a delightful and authentic experience.

Yusuitei is a place where you can enjoy traditional Japanese events throughout the year, such as the Hatsugama tea ceremony, Hinamatsuri tea ceremony, firefly viewing, Tanabata tea ceremony, Otsukimi tea ceremony, and Autumn leaf tea ceremony.

Why not experience a unique tea ceremony amidst the changing beauty of the four seasons, while embracing the distinct Japanese aesthetics of wabi-sabi?

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Information Of Shimizu Residence Garden