From days of old, Yoshida-yama (Mt. Yoshida) has been celebrated as one of the scenic 36 peaks of Higashiyama, Kyoto's eastern mountains. It is the "hill in crimson bloom" referred to in the well-known tanka sung by the students of Mitaka Koto Gakko, a prestigious educational institution which once stood on Mt. Yoshida.
In the seventh year of Showa (1932), the second home of Higashi-Fushimi no miya (Emperor Showa's brother-in-law then enrolled at nearby Kyoto University) was erected on the foothills of Yoshida-yama. After World War II, this imperial residence was preserved in its original grandeur and turned into a traditional Japanese inn named Yoshida-sanso. A quiet place to savor Kyoto cuisine, entertain guests and stay the night, this beloved inn is not only the perfect spot to enjoy tea time after a leisurely walk, but also a unique event space for musicians and artists the year round.
Originally constructed for Prince Higashi-Fushimi by master carpenter Nishioka Tsunekazu, Yoshida-sanso is an architectural treasure which skillfully blends the best of East and West. Used throughout the building, precious hinoki (Japanese cypress) embues the structure with a dignified and distinctly Japanese appearance further enhanced by the Imperial Chrysanthemum crest, a recurring motif visible on the roof tiles and fusuma door pulls.
An abstract rendering of the syllabic characters for "Fushimi" is playfully hidden in the stained glass windows; the front rooms are rendered in a puzzle of parquet. Subtle details such as these and the purity of the Shoin-style interiors create a wonderful fusion of Orientalism and Art deco-inspired Modernism.
The Japanese garden which surrounds Yoshida-sanso offers both subtle and dramatic views that change from season to season. Wild birds can often be seen dancing among the spring cherry blossoms or vibrant azaleas of early summer...there is a delicate hush in this calm and timeless place, a quiet refuge from the clamor of city life. At different times of the year, guests are invited to step into garden for a bowl of soothing green tea or a koto concert carefully prepared and orchestrated to relax and heighten the senses.
"Kyo no inishie" (the capital of old) conveys the spiritual home of Japan and it seems to me that every possible facet of traditional culture is bound together in this name.
Since 1948, when the former villa of Prince Higashi-Fushimi was transformed into Ryori-ryokan Yoshida-sanso, we have aspired to the idea that Yoshida-sanso be a "bridge of destiny," a place for all those in pursuit of beauty to gather and feel at peace. We have also striven to follow "the straight path of sincerity" in an effort to offer our guests the utmost in refined hospitality.
Japanese cuisine has long been a cultural stage for classical literature, music and art. It is Yoshida-sanso's mission to creatively purvey this rich heritage with an international outlook into the new dawn of the 21st century.
In the relaxed atmosphere and attentive caring Yoshida Sanso, "warm and homey," and many guests are appreciated. This charm is due to flexible personality of landlady, and many elaborate handmade hospitality. Everytime she express our gratitude to guests, with seasonal songs in Manyoshu and Kokinshu at the seat of the banquet. Landlady handwriting "Song of the month"
In the Café Shinkokan, please enjoy moments of comfort and beauty space with the tableware designed by landlady.
In 1997, Yoshida-sanso hosted, in conjunction with NHK television, a nationally broadcasted exhibition commemorating the 150th birthday of the world-reknown British children's author and illustrator Kate Greenaway (1846-1901). Afterwards, much to the pleasure of Yoshida-sanso's guests, a selection of these works were put on permanent display in the Izumi Tea Salon. We hope that this exhibit will introduce more and more people to Greenaway's charming work.
吉田山荘では皆様方へ季節のうつろいを感じていただける催しを、会席料理とともにお楽しみ頂いております。
Every year Yoshida-sanso holds four seasonal concerts: the Sakura Concert in the spring, the Daimonji Gozan Okuribi Viewing at O-Bon, the Full Moon Concert in the fall and the Sylvester Concert at the end of the year. Guests can enjoy kaiseki delicacies in an atmosphere that celebrates the changing seasons.
【桜コンサート / Sakura Concert
】
桜が見事に舞い散る吉田山荘の庭で行われる「桜コンサート」では、スイスからピアニストをお迎えしてのコンサートと季節の懐石料理を味わいながら、楽しいおしゃべりを木々の香りの中でお楽しみ頂ける園遊会です。
The Sakura Concert is held outside under the beautiful blossoms of Yoshida-sanso's cherry trees. Garden party guests can luxuriate in spring Kaiseki cuisine while listening to the Chinese "Kosou" harp played by the talented musician Wu-Fang.
【大文字五山送り火の鑑賞会 / Daimonji Gozan Okuribi Viewing】
毎年、8月16日に行われる京都東山の大文字焼きの壮大な景色を楽しみながら、夏の夜に良く合うお酒とお料理で、格別なひと時をお過ごし下さいませ。
Yoshida-yama is one of the rare places in Kyoto where all five of the Daimonji-yaki festival bonfires are visible. Indeed, what better place to be on August 16 than at Yoshida-sanso sipping sake, tasting special summer dishes and gazing at the surrounding hills alit in celebration of O-Bon.
【お月見コンサート / Full Moon Concert】
幻想的な満月の十五夜の中、神秘的なハープやヴァイオリンのクラシックな音色をお楽しみ頂き、静寂な秋の京都を満喫しながらの懐石料理の数々をご堪能頂けます。
Each fall, Yoshida-sanso provides an array of autumnal delights to accompany a classical harp and violin concert under the mystical harvest moon.
【クリスマスコンサート / Sylvester Concert
】
聖なる夜に大切な方と過ごす一時を、響き渡る美しい音色と吉田山荘のクリスマスディナーをお楽しみ頂いております。
On the last day of the year, we invite you to sample winter Kaiseki cuisine and watch snow falling on the Japanese garden while listening to a changing selection of traditional music.
【除夜の鐘 / Joya no Kane】
毎年大晦日に吉田山荘で聞く事のできる除夜の鐘は、真如堂をふくめ銀閣寺、法然院など八つ以上の鐘の音が幻想的なサウンドスケープ(音の風景)をかもしだし、壮大なパノラマをお楽しみ頂けます。
On any given New Year's Eve at Yoshida-sanso, more than 8 temple bells toll Joya no Kane at the stroke of midnight. The resonant peals from nearby Shinnyo-do, as well as Ginkaku-ji and Honen-in temples produce a magical soundscape ringing in the new year for all our honored guests.
【節分祭 / Festival of Yoshida shrine】
吉田山荘のすぐ隣りにある吉田神社は、貞観元年(859年)に都の守り神として鬼門である東北の方角にあることから厄除けの信仰につながり、毎年2月2日から4日までの「節分祭」は、100万人近い人手があります。とくに、3日深夜にまで及ぶ「火炉祭」は古い御札をダイナミックに燃やし、その迫力は多くの人に感動を与えてくれています。
Dating back to the Jogan era of the Heian period, neighboring Yoshida Jinja holds a three-day festival from February 2 - 4 to send the demon Ekijin scurrying back to the mountains of northest Kyoto. Over these three days nearly a million people visit Yoshida Jinja to cast out evil spirits and beckon good luck in the coming spring. The high point of this special Setsubun event takes place just before midnight on Feburary 3, when an enormous holy fire is lit to burn and thus purify Shinto charms accumulated from the preceding year.