Seizansō (Nishiyama Goten)
西山御殿（西山荘）
The thatched-roof villa where Mito Kōmon Tokugawa Mitsukuni spent his later years compiling the Dai Nihon-shi; its autumn foliage is quiet and simple.
Seizansō (formerly Seizansō) was the retirement residence of Tokugawa Mitsukuni, the second lord of the Mito Domain. Mitsukuni lived here from 1691 until his death in 1700, and during this time he continued to oversee the compilation of the Dai Nihon-shi (Great History of Japan). The building is a modest, thatched-roof cottage, a striking contrast to the lavish residences of the domain lords. It is surrounded by cedar groves, bamboo, and a heart-shaped pond garden. The late-November foliage is especially peaceful.
Admission is about 1,000 yen. Open about 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Getting there: Take the Suigun Line from JR Mito Station to Hitachiota Station, about 40 minutes, then a taxi or bus for about 10 minutes. It can be scheduled on the same day as the Ryujin Suspension Bridge.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–16:30
Nearby sights
- Ryūjin Suspension Bridge
- Mito Hachiman-gū
- Hitachi Station
- Hitachi Seaside Park
- Art Tower Mito
- Kōdōkan (Mito)
- Mito Castle Ruins
- Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History