Ōhōjō

The Ōhōjō was built in 1641 and is known throughout Kyoto as one of the most famous examples of shoin-zukuri architecture. With the fifty-four tatami mat-sized Tsuru-no-ma (Crane Room) in the center, the Ōhōjō consists of ten rooms, including the Jōdan-no-ma (Upper), Chūdan-no-ma (Middle) and Gedan-no-ma (Lower) rooms, as well as the Matsu-no-ma (Pine Room). Each of the rooms exudes a splendid air, as all of the fusuma-e (sliding door paintings) have been done by the Kano School.

 Kohōjō

Built in 1641, the same year as the Ōhōjō (Large Guest House), this building is also known throughout Kyoto as one of the most famous examples of shoin-zukuri architecture. The Kohōjō consists of six rooms and are all decorated with fusuma-e (sliding door paintings) done by the Kano School. Compared to the Ōhōjō, the Kohōjō is immersed in a light, tranquil air, and the contrast to the Ōhōjō is quite striking. The Kohōjō is surrounded by the Hōjō Garden, which exudes the moods of the four seasons.