About Kodokan
The moment you pass through the entrance gates, you leave today's
world behind. Here exists a world of serene beauty and elegance,
breezes dance through the maple leaves, which whisper above the extended
pathway that draws you towards the historic club house which was
built in 1835.
The exquisite private club warmly welcomes guests from abroad who
travel in search of cultural experiences and who quest the finest
Kyoto has to offer.
The club can be found in the heart of Kyoto, only three minute walk
from the Imperial Palace. Set in a 1600m2 Japanese garden, the beautiful
villa welcomes you with two historical tea rooms and a formal incense ceremony room and invites you
to experience the traditional world of Japanese art and culture.
History of Kodokan
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.
