Kakurin-tei facts for kids
Kakurin-tei (郭林亭) is a beautiful Japanese tea house located in Kōno Park in Saga City, Japan. A tea house is a special building where people enjoy traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. This particular tea house was first built by a powerful leader named Lord Nabeshima Naomasa.
Contents
The Story of Kakurin-tei
Building a Special Place
The Kakurin-tei tea house was built in November 1846. It was ordered by Lord Naomasa Nabeshima, who was the tenth leader of the Saga clan. A "clan" was like a powerful family group that ruled a specific area in Japan. This tea house was used as a guest house for important visitors. Even famous people like Toshimichi Okubo came to visit.
Lord Naomasa was known as one of Japan's most successful leaders of his time. People say he would relax at this tea house. He would often write poetry here to unwind from his busy political life.
Changes Over Time
Before a big change in Japan called the Meiji Restoration, the clan system was ended. The Kakurin-tei was then given to Kazuma Nakano, who was a trusted family helper. Later, his oldest son, Chiaki, gave the tea house to the Saga Prefectural Girls' High School.
Soon after, Japan entered the Second World War. The tea house slowly started to fall apart. By 1960, it was taken down, along with the Girls' School.
Bringing Kakurin-tei Back to Life
In 1986, an important paper called the Kakurin-tei Document was found. This was about 140 years after the tea house was first built. People then started a plan to rebuild the Kakurin-tei. Many groups helped, like the Saga Prefectural Culture Federation.
The plan to rebuild was approved in 1989. This was part of celebrating Saga City's 100th birthday as a city.
How It Was Rebuilt
To rebuild the tea house, workers used one old photograph and several old drawings. They also used some of the original building materials. Computers helped them figure out how to put it all back together.
After about one year and five months, the new tea house was finished. It was named the Heisei Kakurin-tei. This famous building now carries on the spirit of Lord Naomasa. It continues to be a beloved place for the people of Saga.
