Key Facts
• September 2022: Noto Peninsula earthquake caused structural damage to Tokikuni Residence.
• September 21, 2022: Heavy rain triggered landslides, burying the garden under 1–1.5 meters of sediment.
• Spring 2024: Wajima City began removing sediment from the garden, completing it by early September.
• October 16, 2024: Restoration work begins with 55 gardeners participating in an 11-day workshop.
• Restoration includes repositioning stepping stones and repairing pond embankments.
• Tokikuni Residence, a thatched-roof house, was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 1963.
• The garden, showcasing Edo-period agricultural wealth, was named a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 2001.
• Full restoration of the residence is expected to take 4–5 years or longer.
• The Cultural Property Garden Preservation Technicians Association leads the restoration effort.
• The association has prior experience with disaster recovery, including post-2011 earthquake efforts.
Summary
The Tokikuni Residence and its historic garden, located in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, suffered extensive damage from the 2022 Noto Peninsula earthquake and subsequent heavy rain. The garden, buried under up to 1.5 meters of sediment, is undergoing restoration led by the Cultural Property Garden Preservation Technicians Association. Starting October 16, 2024, 55 gardeners from across Japan will participate in an 11-day workshop to restore the garden to its original state, using pre-disaster blueprints. The residence, a National Important Cultural Property since 1963, and its garden, a National Place of Scenic Beauty since 2001, are significant cultural assets. Restoration of the residence is expected to take several years, with support from national and local authorities. The project aims to preserve the cultural and historical value of the site while fostering skills among young gardeners.
