Jinpukaku

Jinpukaku is a villa built in 1907 by the 14th head of the Tottori Ikeda family, Marquis Nakahiro Ikeda, on the site of the palace on the ruins of Tottori Castle. The elegant two-story Western-style house, based on the French Renaissance style, has been used as a movie location. It was named Jinpukaku by Togo Heihachiro, a naval general at the time.

The interior, with its original layout of the time, is used as an exhibition room for materials. Among them, the 4-meter-high spiral staircase made of zelkova wood is a must-see. The pillar-less structure is said to be difficult to make even today. The delicate workmanship on the railings is also stunningly beautiful.

The rear garden of Jinpukaku is a circular garden with Mt. kyushozan in the background. The garden is a splendid Kyoto-style garden, with rock formations in the mountain stream that make use of natural forests, and a turtle island floating in a pond in the shape of a crane. The tea-ceremony room, Hosen-an, is located in the southwest corner, and was once used as a "make-up room.

Jinpukaku is designated as one of the National Important Cultural Properties. In addition, the surrounding area is maintained as Kyusho Park and is known as a cherry blossom viewing spot.