Above: Inside the Gajoen. Photo from the official event page
The Meguro Gajoen is one of Tokyo's best-hidden gems, and one of the few sightseeing spots I wouldn't mind revisiting multiple times. Not only does the Gajoen offer one of Tokyo's best-rated hotels, inside the former wedding complex you also find the historical hundred-stairs staircase that helped inspire part of the architecture in the Ghibli movie "Spirited Away". Although much of the Gajoen was rebuilt after the Second World War the old wing still remains in its former glory and is used throughout the year for special exhibitions. This time we went to see the special Hina Matsuri (ひな祭り) doll festival exhibition that is held at the Gajoen from mid-January to mid-March.
Above: The doll exhibition outside the elevator going to the old wing.
The old wing of the Gajoen is separated from the newer areas of the complex, with the entrance to your left-hand side when you enter through the main gate. In order to get in, you'll have to purchase an exhibition ticket, usually at the price of 1,500 yen/person. Once you've passed the ticket check you'll have to take an elevator up to a separate entrance to the old wing.
Above: Inside the Hundred Step Staircase (百段階段)
The Stairway of 100 steps, Hyakudan Kaidan (百段階段) takes you up to 7 gorgeously decorated halls, and just the sight of these halls makes the visit worth it in itself. The halls are covered in extravagant paintings from floor to ceiling, and each of the paintings has delicate depictions of traditional Japanese motives such as flowers and birds.
Above: Details of the ceiling in one of the rooms.
Above: Various masks on display inside one of the halls.
Above: An example of a how the dolls were made
Above: The main doll display
Most of the halls forbid taking photos, so it is limited what I can show of the inside of the Gajoen. But if you find yourself in Tokyo looking for places to visit this would definitely be one of my most recommended places to go. Thank you for reading! Please feel free to leave any comments or questions below
- Anette
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■ Basic Info
- ・Meguro Gajoen - Hyakudan Hinamatsuri Doll Festival (百段雛祭り)
- ・Address：1 Chome-8-1 Shimomeguro, Meguro, Tokyo 153-0064
- ・Hotel page: https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?hid=1161114
- ・Homepage: http://www.hotelgajoen-tokyo.com/hinamatsuri/ (Japanese only)
Recommended Hotels in Tokyo
Henn na Hotel★★★★ → review . | The Centurion Classic Akasaka ★★★★ → review | Hundred Stay ★★★★ → review , | Kaisu Hostel ★ . |
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