Gazing at the garden through the rare, hand-blown glass window feels like traveling back in time.
About 2.5 hours by car from central Tokyo, Maebashi City in Gunma Prefecture has been gaining attention for its new urban development focused on modern art. Another 30-minute drive from the city center brings you to ‘Seiho Sanso,’ which opened its doors in July 2024 at the southern foothills of Mount Akagi. Stepping through its impressive gate, you’ll see the main building, originally constructed in the early Taisho era. This structure was originally a villa belonging to Kimura Seishiro, who served as the 10th Vice Governor of the Bank of Japan. Originally built in Azabu, Tokyo, it underwent several relocations before being acquired by the prominent Ebara family of Maebashi and finding its way to this location.
The name Seiho Sanso was created by combining the first character of Ebara Honke’s founder, Yoshihei, with the initials of the original owner’s name.
Mount Akagi, with its sweeping foothills shaped by ancient volcanic activity and debris flows, is strikingly beautiful even from afar.
The main building, highly prized for its Taisho-era architecture, combines traditional sukiya-zukuri style with a spirit of cultural refinement. Renovated into a comfortable inn by LLC Roof, experts in revitalizing historic homes, it retains its original charm while updating with repairs, air conditioning, and modern amenities. Enhancements include adding insulated windows to the rare hand-blown glass, preserving the atmosphere with persimmon-tinted Japanese paper for bedroom wallpaper, and adorning it with rich traditional decorations.
A luxurious space where a 40-tatami mat room and a tatami-floored corridor flow seamlessly together.
The geometric design, based on diamond shapes, is applied to the windows and ceilings, reflecting a consistent aesthetic sensibility down to the finest details.
The expansive 198 square meter area feels like a scene from a monochrome film. Since the entire building can be rented, it accommodates up to eight guests by adding futons in the shoin room alongside the two beds in the bedrooms. The bathroom features waterproof tatami mats, and when you open the windows to take in the garden view, it’s reminiscent of a Japanese painting, offering a truly unique bath time experience.
The newly added bathroom is equipped with a sauna, and just outside, there is a wooden deck furnished with chairs.
After enjoying a relaxing bath, dinner awaits with a chance to savor locally grown ingredients nurtured in this area. The standout is the high-quality Joushu beef, from cattle raised freely in the rich natural surroundings. You can choose between two cooking styles—sukiyaki or shabu-shabu—based on your preference. The next morning, you can opt for a steamer meal featuring locally sourced vegetables. For longer stays, the high degree of flexibility, including the option to cook in the kitchen, adds to the overall experience and charm of the place.
The Joshu beef sukiyaki. The kitchen is fully equipped with utensils and seasonings, allowing guests to enjoy cooking too.
Additionally, within the grounds of Seiho Sanso, there are two other buildings, Okugura and Shichigura, which have been renovated from warehouses over 140 years old. While the main building, with its lavish use of handmade glass sliding doors, offers an abundant view of the garden, these warehouse-style lodgings feature a design that allows guests to enjoy the play of light and shadow in a more intimate setting.
The first floor is compactly designed with a kitchen and dining area, as well as bathroom facilities, while the second floor features a bedroom with a traditional farmhouse aesthetic, utilizing the ceiling beams. The unique acoustics of the warehouse are also utilized, with facilities such as a record player and theater room, providing an array of options for guests’ experiences. This tranquil retreat nestled in the mountains is highly recommended for seasoned travelers who have explored Tokyo to its fullest, and those who’d relish a unique experience in a serene time capsule.
As evening approaches, gather around the bonfire and reflect on your fondest travel memories.
Photo credit: Ruufu Co., Ltd.
Seiho Sanso
Address: 1825 Akagiyama, Fujimi-machi, Maebashi-shi, Gunma-ken
Phone: 055-244-3895
Website: https://akagi-shuku.com/hotels/seiho-sanso/
