Origins of Bansenso Villa 

A retreat house built by the Matsui brothers, who made their fortune through retail trading in the Philippines.

Brothers Matsui Denzaburo (1870-1920) and Kunigoro (1875-1945) made a fortune in retail trade, running several shops in the Philippine archipelago oriented to the Japanese migrant community. Kenzaburo planned Bansenso (former Matsui Family Residence) as a retreat villa in his hometown of Ozu. It was completed in Taisho 15 (1926) by his younger brother Kunigoro. The house is located on a hill overlooking rich natural scenery such as Garyu cliff, Mt. Tomisu and Mt. Kame, among the most scenic spots in Hiji River. In addition to wood imported from Southeast Asia, balconies and demon tiles with the owner's initials "K. M" are used. Elements that are rare for Japan houses of that time. These are signs of the influence that foreign culture had in the construction of this compound. It has been labelled 'Bansenso' because it uses a water well seeping from the bedrock of the back mountain (meaning of the name in Japanese). 

1 Appearance/masonry 

The majestic three-story wooden building that juts out from the steep slope has been standing out as representative landmark of the area since its construction. It also contributes to the shaping of Ozu's townscape. Furthermore, its impressive bearing wall, made of Hiji River's blue stones, rhythmically stacked in an X-shape. It brings a sense of unity with the main house and has a high level of sensibility. 

Lion statue 

In the front yard, there is an big lion earthenware statue. Shinyanase was a form of local pottery revived in the 10th year of the Taisho era (1921) by several Ozu patrons. A medieval craft, it was eventually abolished by the shogunate regime. The Matsui family played a role in the reinstalment of the craft.   

3. Corridors 

Ipil is a tropical wood, native to the Philippines. Sometimes referred as 'Pacific ironwood' because of its weight and hardness, it is at display at Bansenso's hallway. Made up of 20 carefully finished planks of wood, it stands as a red carpet, inviting guests into the tatami room, the guest room or the tea room. The distinction between corridor lines for guests and the daily life space is obvious at a glance, with the floorboards topping residents quarters being fragmented, in comparison to the continuous planks. 

4. First floor tatami room 

The high ceilings, lintels, unfinished cypress wood and black lacquered elements or alcoves feature simple yet majestic decorations. It represents a sophisticated example of the highly prestigious traditional Shoin-zukuri style. 

5 Tea room 

The tea room has elaborate workmanship, in the form of wickerwork joinery, red pine bark pillars, and old boat boards. You can feel the rough spirit surrounding Japanese tea ceremonies. 

6 Horizontal well (Yokoido) 

The well is dug more than 50 meters deep in the mountain. The water is conducted towards a cistern set up nearby the kitchen. This was built to secure water for daily use during the Taisho period, when the water supply system was not maintained, and it is presumed that the Bansenso was built here because this water supply could be ensured. 

Please contact the Tourist Information Centre for more information.