Rokkakudo Hall

Rokkakudo (六角堂, Rokkakudō), a striking hexagonal building located along the Pacific coast in northern Ibaraki Prefecture, near Iwaki, was originally built in 1905 by the renowned scholar and artist Okakura Tenshin. Designed as a tranquil retreat for artistic pursuits, the building’s unique hexagonal shape embodies Tenshin’s creative vision and desire for harmony with nature. The structure faced near destruction during the 2011 tsunami, but it was meticulously rebuilt in 2012. The restoration preserved the original architectural style, allowing the building to stand as a symbol of cultural heritage and resilience in the face of natural disaster.

Okakura Tenshin is best known in the West for his influential work The Book of Tea, which introduced Japanese tea culture to a global audience. At Rokkakudo, visitors can explore a small memorial museum dedicated to his life and legacy, providing insights into his contributions to art and culture. Nearby, Tenshin’s former residence, an exquisite example of traditional Japanese architecture, remains a significant cultural site, though the house itself is not open to the public. A stone monument next to the residence bears the inscription “Asia is One,” reflecting Tenshin’s vision of unity and cooperation among Asian nations, a message that continues to resonate today.