Kounkaku is a historic building located in the Ninomaru area of Matsue Castle in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. Completed in 1903, it is a valuable example of pseudo-Western architecture that beautifully blends traditional Japanese construction with Western-style design. The building was originally constructed to serve as accommodation for Emperor Meiji during a planned imperial visit. Today, it is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Shimane Prefecture and is one of Matsue’s notable historic attractions.
Standing amid the atmospheric scenery of Matsue’s former castle town, Kounkaku combines Japanese and Western elements in a distinctive and elegant style. A visit offers a glimpse into the sophistication of the Meiji era and the history of Matsue as a former castle town.
Kounkaku was built by Matsue City under the official name of the Matsue City Craft Exhibition Hall, while also being intended as a temporary residence for Emperor Meiji during an imperial visit.
Construction began in 1902 and was completed the following year. The magnificent building was considered exceptionally luxurious for its time, with construction costs reaching approximately 13,489 yen.
However, the planned visit by Emperor Meiji did not take place because of the effects of the Russo-Japanese War, meaning that the building was never used for its original purpose. In 1907, however, Crown Prince Yoshihito, who later became Emperor Taisho, stayed at Kounkaku during his visit to the San’in region. The building therefore fulfilled an important role as a reception facility for distinguished guests.
Kounkaku is a representative example of pseudo-Western architecture, a style that combines traditional Japanese wooden construction with Western-inspired decorative elements.
The building features a traditional Japanese irimoya-zukuri tiled roof, while its front entrance includes a carriage porch. Delicate designs can be seen in the columns, trim, and other decorative details.
The richly ornamented exterior gives the building an elegant and impressive appearance, reflecting its original role as a prestigious reception facility. Inside, the atmosphere is more restrained but retains a sense of refinement, allowing visitors to experience the distinctive elegance of early 20th-century Japan.
One of the highlights inside Kounkaku is the Kiken-shitsu, or Noble Guest Room. This distinguished room was designed to accommodate members of the Imperial Family and other important guests. Its carefully crafted decorations provide an insight into the architectural techniques and aesthetic sensibilities of the Meiji era.
The second floor also contains a spacious Grand Hall. The hall can currently be reserved for private events and can accommodate up to 150 people. Spending time in this historic space provides a unique opportunity to enjoy a special event surrounded by Meiji-era architecture.
After its completion, Kounkaku served a variety of purposes as the times changed. Following its role as a reception facility during the Meiji era, it was later used for facilities connected with the Japanese Navy, as a temporary branch office of the prefectural government, and as an office for the Matsue City Board of Education.
In 1973, the building reopened as the Matsue Local History Museum, where exhibits on local history, folklore, crafts, and other aspects of regional culture were displayed for many years.
The museum closed in 2011 when its functions were transferred to the Matsue History Museum. Kounkaku then underwent major preservation and restoration work from 2013 to 2015, before reopening to the public in October 2015.
The restoration project carefully respected the historical value of the building while restoring it to its appearance around 1912, the 45th year of the Meiji era.
Among the restoration work was the repositioning of the front staircase based on research into alterations made to the building over the years. Through this careful work, Kounkaku has been preserved not only as a historic building but also as an important resource for understanding the architecture, craftsmanship, and culture of the Meiji period.
On the first floor, visitors will find the Kamedayama Tea Room, a café where they can relax during their visit. Enjoying a drink or light refreshment inside this historic building offers a pleasant way to experience its atmosphere at a leisurely pace.
Admission to Kounkaku is free, making it an easy addition to a sightseeing itinerary around Matsue Castle. If the Grand Hall is being used for a private event, however, some areas may not be accessible, so checking in advance is recommended.
Because Kounkaku stands within the grounds of Matsue Castle, it is an ideal place to visit together with the castle. Historic buildings and cultural attractions are scattered throughout the surrounding area, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of Matsue as a traditional castle town.
The changing scenery around Matsue Castle throughout the seasons provides a beautiful backdrop for Kounkaku. Exploring both the castle grounds and this elegant Meiji-era building offers a broader perspective on the city’s long and varied history.
Kounkaku is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from April through September, and from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from October through March.
The building is open throughout the year, and admission is free. Visitors planning to see the Grand Hall should be aware that access may be restricted when the hall is reserved for a private event.
From JR Matsue Station, Kounkaku can be reached by bus in approximately 10 minutes. Get off at Kencho-mae, followed by a walk of about five minutes.
Another convenient option is the Gurutto Matsue Lake Line sightseeing bus. Get off at Matsue Castle (Otemae), from where Kounkaku is approximately a five-minute walk away.
Kounkaku is a valuable cultural heritage site that preserves the architectural beauty and history of the Meiji era. Its elegant pseudo-Western design, refined interior, and fascinating history as a reception facility make it an especially interesting destination for visitors exploring Matsue.
When visiting Matsue Castle, take some time to step inside Kounkaku and discover the atmosphere of more than a century ago. The combination of castle-town history, traditional Japanese architecture, and Meiji-era Western influences makes Kounkaku a memorable stop on a Matsue sightseeing itinerary.