Kintai

Kintai is a tearoom situated atop an artificial hill on the southern side of the Gonaitei Garden. The name Kintai was inspired by the vibrant maple grove that turns brilliant colors in autumn. It was the last structure to be completed among the buildings in the garden. Distinctive features include a shima-buki roof—an alternating pattern of cypress bark and wooden shingles that creates a striped effect—and red earthen walls. The tearoom itself is a four-and-a-half tatami mat space surrounded by a veranda. On its north side lies a three-and-a-half mat antechamber facing a dirt-floored area, followed by an open, wall-less wooden-floored space ideal for enjoying the surrounding view.