Bansenso was built by the Matsui family, who made their fortune through trade with the Philippines. The story behind the building’s name is hidden behind a mysterious door in the back. Ask the staff to guide you and you’ll find a deep cave, which is actually a 50-meter long horizontal well that was used to store bedrock water.

They say that Bansenso, built in the Taisho Era, was inspired by Garyu Sanso’s design and has its own hidden secrets, too. For example, the room behind the tea room has a hidden staircase under the floorboard. Please ask the staff and they can show you. They might also explain how it used to be a passageway for servants to bring food and drink without using the hallway.

There are also animal sculptures lurking in the garden, glass windows from the Taisho Era, and roof tiles with the Matsui family’s initials. How many treasures can you find throughout the mansion?