Former Takatori Residence

The Former Takatori Residence sits along the seashore by Karatsu Castle. It was originally the state of Koreyoshi Takatori, the wealthy owner of the Kirishima Coal Mine and others who was nicknamed the Coal Mining King of Hizen. The estate was built in 1905 with a residence and guesthouse, on and expansive grounds of 2,300 tsubo (roughly 7,603 square meters) that now houses the grand hall and sitting room.

Inside you’ll find a colorful spread of Japanese style architecture made state-of-the-art in its heyday, and an emphasis of Japanese aesthetic dotted by western influences. Along the way you’ll even find an element by Iyo, who loved Noh theatre, of a full wooden Noh stage in the large hall and other eclectic design choices.

One remarkable site is the 72 cedar door panels, an art installation created by a Kyoto artists who stayed in residence at the estate for half a year to complete his 29 varieties of paintings, including wisteria, wild cherry blossoms and more. Embellished with beautiful details worthy of a museum, this space is dotted with embossed plants and die-cute animals across the ranma, and even cloisonne ware metalworking on the metal handles.

Enjoy a relaxed strolled across the grounds, seeing into the luxurious life of a coal mining tycoon in his heyday. In 1998 the estate was designated a National Important Cultural Property.