Tea House "Rinkaku"

(by Tomoko)

Rinkaku

I was born and grew up in Aizu Wakamatsu-shi. I love my historical hometown.

Do you know that a historical tea house called "Rinkaku" is in Tsuruga-jo Castle? Rinkaku was built by Senno Shoan in the 16th century. Senno Shoan was a son of Senno Rikyu, the founder of tea ceremony. The tea house used to be in the garden of a rich merchant, Morikawa. The house was transferred to the Morikawa family, so that it would not be burned down during the Boshin War.

I have a happy memory about the tea house in my high school days. Surprisingly, I often played and studied in it with my friends. And I sometimes learned tea ceremony, because one of Morikawa's daughters was one of my best friends.

Four years ago, the tea house was re-transferred to Tsuruga-jo Castle. You now have to pay money to see Rinkaku. It still reminds me of my old good days. I am happy to have told you about my great memory of Rinkaku.

(10/2002)