臥龍山荘 Garyū Sanso

Exquisite tea garden and villa

Overlooking the winding Hiji River is this elegant tea house in the sukiya-zukuri architectural tradition. The name indicates a reclining dragon at a mountain retreat. And it's a lavish villa that could only have been created in the Taisho era. There are more architectural details and classic Japanese garden features than I can count and reflects the exacting and lavish plan of the architect and designer. I spent a half day here lingering in the garden, breathing in the views, and spotting clever design elements. The villa is a 25-minute walk from the nearest station, Iyo-Ozu Station.