Chourakukan was built by tobacco magnate Kichibe Murai in 1909 amid an era of frenzied Westernization and modernization and the emerging romanticism of the Taisho Period (1912-1926). Constructed as a guest house for dignitaries from Japan and abroad, it’s located in a corner of Kyoto’s oldest park, Maruyama Park, and close to Yasaka Shrine.

Designed by James McDonald Gardiner, the building incorporates a broad range of architectural styles from Renaissance, Rococo, Art Nouveau and Chinese to Japanese Shoin-zukuri residential architecture.

Now more than a century later, Chourakukan is a hotel, café and restaurant popular with visitors who come to stay or enjoy afternoon tea or French cuisine in retro Western-style surrounds.
In December 2024, the building and 51 pieces of furniture were designated as National Important Cultural Properties due to the superb condition in which they are preserved and architectural elements that demonstrate Gardiner’s mastery of his craft.

Of particular note among Chourakukan’s spaces is the third floor “Onari-no-Ma” reception room. The present interior dates back to the Taisho Period and was created by Mitsumoto Ohshima, an authority on traditional Japanese architecture commissioned by Murai to renovate the space. With Baccarat chandeliers, a Japanese-style coved and coffered ceiling, and sliding door paintings rendered with gold and silver dust, the space is a unique example of shoin-zukuri architecture that fuses Eastern and Western culture. Spectacular panoramic views of Kyoto and Higashiyama afforded through the windows are also a highlight.

The first installment in Chourakukan’s program for visitors to experience the unique Onari-no-Ma was “The ultimate Kyoto experience: Fan-tossing game with maiko at a luxurious guest house.” It gave participants the opportunity to enjoy parlor games with geisha and maiko, something that is usually difficult to arrange without the necessary connections. The elegant traditional pastime of fan-tossing was popular during the Edo Period (1603-1868). Players throw a fan at a target called a “butterfly” sitting on a wooden box called a “pillow” and compete for points based on the arrangement (called the “inscription”) of the fan, butterfly, and pillow.

The experience began with a talk about the history of the game and tips on how to throw a fan by Rie Ohnishi, the fourth generation of traditional Kyoto fan shop Ohnishi Tsune Shoten. Participants then broke off into groups to play fan-throwing with maiko from Gion Higashi, one of Kyoto’s five traditional entertainment quarters. This was followed by a dance performance by the maiko, and finally tea at the Chourakukan café.

The second installment in the program is “Tea house games experience.” After touring Chourakukan, participants play parlor games and enjoy exclusive use of Library Bar Madeira (usually only open to staying guests) to chat and take photos with maiko and geisha. (Please note that the fan-tossing experience is not currently offered. The tea house games experience is available from Mon, 24 February to Sat, 31 May 2025 with places for one group per day.)

In addition to the above experiences, Chourakukan has hosted other unique cultural events including a creative rakugo about Chourakukan called “Creative Rakugo comedic storytelling with Shinoharu Tachikawa ‘Red & White Smoke Contest”. It has also held a special exhibition in collaboration with a famous brand, classical music concerts and more. With increased interest from within Japan and abroad due to its recent designation as a National Important Cultural Property, Chourakukan is currently planning a variety of special limited-time experiences. Please visit the official website for the latest information.

Address:
604 Maruyama-cho, Yasaka Toriimae higashi-iru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

Official website:
https://chourakukan.co.jp/en/