Mirei Shigemori Garden Museum（重森三玲邸）
A bold fusion of modern garden design and Edo-period tradition in the heart of Kyoto
Hidden in Kyoto’s quiet Sakyo Ward, the Mirei Shigemori Garden Museum offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. The house itself is a machiya—a wooden townhouse built in 1789, during the late Edo period.
In 1943, Mirei Shigemori, one of Japan’s most influential modern garden designers, moved into the home. From then on, he used it not only as a residence but also as his creative base. He designed the garden and two tea ceremony rooms, both still visible today.
Although the garden is compact, it reflects Shigemori’s bold and experimental spirit. Instead of copying traditional designs, he used straight lines, geometric patterns, and large stones to challenge expectations. Yet, the overall layout respects classical garden principles.
The two tearooms were carefully placed to frame different garden views. While sitting inside, visitors can appreciate how architecture and landscape interact. The balance of space, materials, and silence draws from Zen thought—but the visual effect is fresh and modern.
Access to the museum is by advance reservation only. Although photography isn’t allowed, this helps maintain a quiet, reflective mood. Compared to larger tourist spots, this space offers time for observation and thought. You can even book an English-language tour.
Today, the site is still run by Shigemori’s family. It serves as a museum, research centre, and source of inspiration for garden enthusiasts and designers around the world.
Read more in our eBook!
Mirei Shigemori Garden Museum Guide
This eBook introduces the Mirei Shigemori Garden Museum in Kyoto. Housed in a traditional machiya, it showcases gardens and tearooms designed by the modern master.
Perfect for fans of innovative Japanese design and thoughtful garden spaces.
Learn more before your visit—or revisit from home.
Read more in our Blog:
Gallery
Directions
How to get to the garden
From Kyoto main station, take the city bus 206. Get off after 17 stops (32 minutes) at the bus stop Kyodai-Seimon-mae (京大正門前). From there walk 260 meter to the east and turn right at the road fork.
Address
- EN: 34 Kamiojicho, Yoshida Sakyoku, Kyoto 606-8312, Japan
- JP: 〒606-8312 京都府京都市左京区吉田上大路町３４
Opening times
- Access is limited. A reservation is needed.
Get our free Reservation Guide.
Admission fee
- April - September: 1000 yen
- October (& November): 1200 yen. 1500 yen on special opening days.
- December - March: 1200 yen on weekdays. 1500 yen on weekends.
- Discounts: 100 yen discount for University Students. 300 yen discount for Junior High and High School Students. Half-price for Elementary School students.
Facilities & Accessibility
- The garden is not barrier free.
- The explanations of the garden are in Japanese but there is a small handout in English.
- You can buy postcards and books related to the garden or Shigemori Mirei (cash only).
- The shoin and tea house can not be visited on all days (only seen from the outside).
- On shoin and tea house visiting days, children under 12 years are not allowed.
- Tea house and shoin opening days are usually on weekends. Check our reservation guide and the official website.
- Follow the rules mentioned in our free reservation guide.
Best time to visit
- October - March: for being able to see the shoin and tea room from the inside.
- End of March for the weeping cherry tree.
- Avoid August/September when you want the moss to be green.
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