Ogenkan
The Ogenkan was added to Shoseien in 1884, and the grand veranda served as the entrance to the garden for important guests arriving by horse and carriage. Visitors could step down onto the porch from their vehicle while their horses were led to the stables on the south side. They could proceed directly to the two tatami-mat rooms inside, which are connected to the Rofutei Reception Hall via a corridor.
The Ogenkan was originally built for the Omiya Palace, the residence of the Empress Dowager Eisho (1835–1897) in Kyoto. It was relocated to Shoseien following a visit by Emperor Meiji (1852–1912) in 1880, presumably so that the garden would be better equipped to receive dignitaries following in the emperor’s footsteps. The entire structure, including the stables, has been preserved in its original state.