Matsunaga Memorial Hall 松永記念館

The home of the "Electric King"

The former home of Japan's "Electric King" dates from the 1940s but has splendid architecture and gardens that hark back to earlier ages. It's well worth a visit when you're in Odawara City. The museum has exhibits that chronicle the work of Matsunaga Yasuzaemon, an industrialist who pioneered electrical power in Japan. His legacy is a museum in the main building and an intriguing tea house with spaces with very different characters. I visited in June when the garden is full of greenery and the guides told me to return in autumn when this spot is spectacular and uncrowded. Periodically, tea ceremonies are held in the spaces and open to the public.