Garyu Sanso Villa — Cliffside Tea House National Treasure

Published: Jun 3, 2026

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

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Garyu Sanso Villa — Cliffside Tea House National Treasure

Garyu Sanso Villa — Cliffside Tea House National Treasure 2

Garyu Sanso is a refined villa and tea house built in 1907 by a wealthy merchant, perched on a cliff overlooking the Hijikawa River. The main tea house, Furo-an, is designated a National Important Cultural Property — a tiny structure with cypress bark roof, delicate shoji screens, and a tea ceremony room cantilevered over the river on wooden supports.

The villa name means 'resting place of a reclining dragon,' referencing how the cliff resembles a dragon's back. The gardens blend seamlessly with the natural riverside forest, creating a serene atmosphere of refined simplicity.

Opening Hours

9:00–17:00 (until 16:00 December–February). Tea ceremony experience: 10:00–15:00.

Closed: Open daily. Occasional closure for maintenance — check Ozu City tourism site.

Entrance Fee

Villa entry ¥550. Tea ceremony experience (matcha + wagashi) ¥500 additional. Combination ticket with Ozu Castle ¥900.

Best Season

Autumn (November) for maple foliage reflected in the Hijikawa River. Spring (April) for riverside greenery. Year-round for the cliffside tea house architecture.

Visit Duration

45–60 minutes for villa and grounds. Add 30–45 minutes for tea ceremony experience. Allow 30 minutes to walk to Ozu Castle if doing the combination.

Getting There

Access Information

411-2 Ozu, Ozu City. 20-min walk from JR Iyo-Ozu Station or 5-min taxi (¥700). Entry: ¥550. Hours: 9:00–17:00 (Dec-Feb until 16:00). Tea ceremony experience: +¥500, 10:00–15:00.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Tea house architecture:** Furo-an tea house is a masterpiece of minimalist design — 4.5 tatami mats (7.4m²) with a floor-level window providing a dramatic horizontal view of the river 10 meters belo