Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Yodoko Guest House is an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Introduction

Perched on a hillside in Ashiya City, Hyōgo Prefecture, the Yodoko Guest House—originally the Yamamura Residence—is a rare surviving work by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Designed in 1918 during Wright’s stay in Japan for the Imperial Hotel project, it is the only Wright-designed residence in Japan still preserved in its original form.

A First Glimpse of Wright’s Design

Approaching the guest house, you immediately notice its distinctive Oya stone masonry and geometric forms—characteristics of Wright’s “Prairie Style” adapted to Japanese landscapes.

From a higher vantage point, the house reveals its strong horizontal lines and terraced structure, harmonizing with the slopes of Ashiya’s Rokko foothills.

The approach path is equally striking, offering a sense of procession before arriving at the main entrance.

Guests would have originally been dropped off at the covered carriage porch, a space that still conveys a sense of arrival and refinement.

Inside the Guest House

On the second floor, the reception room demonstrates Wright’s unique spatial concept of “compression and release,” where narrow entryways open dramatically into larger, light-filled spaces. The interplay of stone and wood creates an atmosphere that is both modern and warm.

Walking along the third floor west corridor, you encounter Wright’s meticulous geometric detailing. The corridor’s small windows are fitted with decorative copper panels inspired by plant leaves, an example of Wright’s nature-driven design motifs.

One of the most fascinating spaces is the third-floor Japanese-style room, where Wright incorporated tatami and shoji elements into his design. This rare fusion of Japanese tradition and Western modernism illustrates his deep respect for Japanese culture.

The fourth-floor dining hall is particularly ornate, with an almost square layout and a rigorously symmetrical design centered around the fireplace.

Finally, stepping out onto the south-facing balcony, visitors can fully appreciate how Wright’s architecture engages with the surrounding landscape.

Why Visit?

The Yodoko Guest House is more than just a preserved building—it is a living example of how international modernist design interacted with Japanese aesthetics in the early 20th century. For fans of Frank Lloyd Wright, architecture, or Japanese cultural heritage, this house offers a rare chance to walk through history.

Visitor Information

• Open Days: Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays
  　(Opening days may vary during special exhibitions. Please check the official calendar.)

• Hours: 10:00–16:00 (last admission 15:30)

• Admission: Adults ¥500 / Elementary, junior high & high school students ¥200 / Preschool children free
  　※ Payment is accepted in cash only (no credit cards or cashless options available).

• For details in English, please see the Official English Website.