Former Itō Denemon Residence (旧伊藤伝右衛門邸)

Flow of the course

About this spot

This residence was built between the late Meiji and Taishō eras by Itō Denemon (伊藤伝右衛門), the leading coal mine owner in the Chikuhō region, and is registered as a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. The main house, built in the shoin-zukuri style, is lavishly detailed down to the smallest design elements, and its many furnishings offer a vivid glimpse into the life of a coal baron of the era. The sprawling roughly 3,000-tsubo garden is beautifully planted for every season, and by the time of an autumn visit the trees are just beginning to quietly change color. The residence is also known as the former home of the poet Yanagihara Byakuren (柳原白蓮), making it popular among literature fans as well. It's a fitting starting point for this day, letting you vividly experience Iizuka's industrial history.

Tips

About a 15-minute walk from JR Iizuka Station (JR飯塚駅), or roughly 5 minutes by car. Admission is 500 yen for adults. Photography rules are posted inside the building, so check the signage before you start looking around. Even taking your time, the garden can be circled in about an hour. Lines can form at the entrance during busy periods, so entering right after opening or early in the afternoon is recommended.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour 30 minutes. The soft afternoon light beautifully sets off the garden's greenery, making the time spent viewing it from the veranda especially memorable.

Access & map

820-0066 300 Kōbukuro, Iizuka City, Fukuoka Prefecture