Ohana
Ohana is the villa built by the Tachibana family, the lords of Yanagawa. It is designated as a national site of scenic beauty, including its garden and cultural properties. Today, it functions as a hotel, restaurant, and museum.
Shoto Garden is the garden of Ohana Villa. You can enjoy the view from the rooms or the isles within Ohana Villa. The garden features more than 200 old pine trees, and in the wintertime, wild geese can be seen in the pond.
The Tachibana Family
Muneshige Tachibana was appointed the lord of Yanagawa Castle by Hideyoshi Toyotomi in 1587. Initially a vassal of the Ouchi family, Muneshige’s achievements in battle impressed Hideyoshi, who elevated him to lordship. Muneshige was not only a skilled samurai but also an excellent ruler, earning the deep respect and faith of the people of Yanagawa.
During the Battle of Sekigahara, Muneshige sided with the Western Army, resulting in his expulsion from his domain. Though he could have remained in Yanagawa Castle and fought against the new ruler’s army, he chose not to involve his people in the conflict. When his people tearfully pleaded with him to stay and fight, he responded, “I don’t want to involve you in a battle,” and left the castle.
After this, Muneshige was imprisoned, but his achievements and character were recognized by the new ruling Tokugawa family, who reinstated him as the lord of Yanagawa. He was the only samurai lord expelled after the Battle of Sekigahara to return to his original domain.
The fifth lord of Yanagawa, Sadayoshi, built a residence for his second wife and her daughter in what is now called Flower Field. The last lord of Yanagawa moved from the castle to this residence.
After the end of the samurai era, the 14th head of the family renovated the residence to its current form. After World War II, the 16th head of the family and his wife preserved the residence as a hotel and restaurant. Ohana, the flower house, remains.