Within the grounds of Ohana you’ll find a Japanese garden designed by Tomoharu called Shoto-en, centered around a magnificent pond and surrounded by 280 black pine trees that mimic the waves of the sea.
Many of the facilities that stand today within the Ohana residence -- the Western Building, the Grand Hall, and the Shoto-en -- were all completed in 1910, the same year Ayako Tachibana was born. She and her husband, Kazuo, lived through the most dramatic period post World War II.
The aftermath of the war left Japan struggling and the Tachibana family was terribly affected. They had to sell their land in Tokyo because of the increase in property tax and inheritance tax, and they had to let go of large areas of farmland due to land reform and redistribution. During these financially tough times, Ayako and Kazuo knew they could sell the Ohana mansion and their priceless heirlooms that were handed down through generations, but they refused to let go. The family was forced to find new ways to maintain financial stability while maintaining the family legacy. From adversity they found ways to innovate.
It all started when some locals asked them to rent out Ohana to host a banquet. “Well then, we might as well prepare drinks and some food for the guests,” they thought. One thing led to another and before they knew it, Ohana became a restaurant and inn.
Some people looked down on Ayako, who was born into nobility, for ending up as the proprietress of a restaurant and inn. But that never fazed her, as she continued to entertain her many customers with pride and protected her family legacy in her own way.
She would always say, “It’ll all work out somehow.” But it was more than just her positive attitude, it was her proactive character that made it all happen.
Kazuo, who was inspired by his wife, wanted to turn Yanagawa into a tourist destination and came up with the Yanagawa canal cruising idea. Without this couple, Yanagawa would not be the tourist spot it is today, and you probably wouldn't even be here right now.
Ayako lived to be 100 years old. Her sentiment is passed down along with the Ohana residence she worked so hard to maintain.
