Okitsu-An is the given name of the Club Okitsu Kyoto's
club house. It is named after the Cherry tree (Ou) and the Citrus tree (Kitsu) both of which are famous symbolic trees located within the Imperial Palace Courtyard.
During the 9th century, known as the Heian era, the land surrounding Club Okitsu-An found itself within the Imperial Palace grounds, and it is where the "Nishi-no-Tsuchimikado" Palace building was located. This is the reason the address of Club Okitsu Kyoto is still "Moto-Tsuchimikado" (literary means former Tsuchimikado).
At the end of Edo period, in late 18th ~19th century, with the support of Edo government, the philosopher, Minagawa Kien established his school "Kodokan" here. This was said to be Japan’s first University where around 3000 students completed their studies.
After Minagawa Kien passed away, in 1835, the construction started on the building currently standing at this location. The owners undertook some renovations at that time, however the final, major architectural changes took place in 1951. All the current amenities have been completely updated.
The house has 2 tea rooms, 1 incense ceremony room, 1 dining room complete with English style furnishings for your comfort, 1 Irori (Japanese cooking fireplace) room, and a vast 1600m sq² garden. The carefully carved wood detail, together with other delicate finishes remind us of the past masters of the house who enjoyed sophisticated, private cultural events during both the daytime and evening.
During the 9th century, known as the Heian era, the land surrounding Club Okitsu-An found itself within the Imperial Palace grounds, and it is where the "Nishi-no-Tsuchimikado" Palace building was located. This is the reason the address of Club Okitsu Kyoto is still "Moto-Tsuchimikado" (literary means former Tsuchimikado).
At the end of Edo period, in late 18th ~19th century, with the support of Edo government, the philosopher, Minagawa Kien established his school "Kodokan" here. This was said to be Japan’s first University where around 3000 students completed their studies.
After Minagawa Kien passed away, in 1835, the construction started on the building currently standing at this location. The owners undertook some renovations at that time, however the final, major architectural changes took place in 1951. All the current amenities have been completely updated.
The house has 2 tea rooms, 1 incense ceremony room, 1 dining room complete with English style furnishings for your comfort, 1 Irori (Japanese cooking fireplace) room, and a vast 1600m sq² garden. The carefully carved wood detail, together with other delicate finishes remind us of the past masters of the house who enjoyed sophisticated, private cultural events during both the daytime and evening.