THE RINSHUN-KAKU

The Rinshun-kaku is the most important building in the park. It was for some time believed to have been part of Hideyoshi Toyotomi's Juraku-dai Palace; however recent investigations have revealed that it was in fact the Iwade Palace, built by the Lord of Kishu over 300 years ago. It is typical of the villas built by feudal lords in the earlier years of the Tokugawa Period, and together with the Katsura Palace in Kyoto, is one of the best examples now extant of this type architecture.

The Rinshun-kaku fronts upon a quiet pond and has about it an air of soft repose. One can easily imagine the great Hideyoshi taking his ease there, dressed informally and accompanied perhaps by favorite mistress Yodogimi, peacefully fishing from the balcony.

From the upstairs room there is an admirable view of the Pagoda atop the nearby hill. The deep red lacquer of the Pagoda contrasts vividly with the green foliage and the blue sky.

4. The 1st and 2nd Buildings of the Rinshun-kaku

HISTORY OF THE RINSHUN-KAKU

The Rinshun-kaku was formerly situated within the Iwade Palace on the north bank of the Kinokawa in Wakayama Prefecture. It was built in the 2nd year of the Keian period (1649).

From the lord of Kishu the Rinshun-kaku passed to Sadayu Lino, a man of great wealth who was related to the Emperor Bidatsu.  Sadayu Lino rebuilt the villa at Kasuga-de-shinden, Osaka. One hundred fifty years later it passed into the possession of one Kiyomi; it was entered in the "album of Noted Places in Osaka" and in other records and became quite famous throughout the Kansai district.

In the 39th year of Meiji (1906) Hara Tomitaro obtained it from Kiyomi and later brought it to Yokohama;  in 1915 it was rebuilt in the Sankei-en.

5. View of "Rinshun-kaku"