Buaiso [Tokyo]

【Overview of Buaiso】

Buaiso is the name of the former residence located in Machida City, Tokyo, where the famous Showa-era businessman Jiro Shirasu and his wife, the essayist Masako Shirasu, lived. Located on the border between Musashi Province (Bu) and Sagami Province (So), the name combines “Buso” with a humorous play on the Japanese word buaiso (meaning “unsociable” or “blunt”). Today, it is open to the public as a museum and memorial hall, complete with an attached café and restaurant.

【Buaiso Bamboo Forest Promenade】

Although situated in a serene residential neighborhood, stepping through the parking lot entrance—marked by a gate where “Buaiso” is written with rope on an earthen wall—transports you instantly into a lush bamboo forest landscape. Stretching straight through the bamboo grove is a well-maintained wooden boardwalk path.

Emerging from the bamboo tunnel brings you right in front of the white building that houses the ticket counter and gift shop.

【Buaiso Jiro Shirasu’s Garage and Classic Car】

Exhibited in the outdoor café space is a classic “PAIGE” car—over 100 years old—which is said to be the very first car Jiro drove in his youth.

Also preserved here is a memorable shaved-ice machine that Jiro actually used to serve shaved ice to local children.

【Restaurant & Café Buaiso】

Located just beyond the garage stands Buaiso.

Restaurant & Café Buaiso is a standalone-style restaurant and bar created by renovating the building that once served as Jiro Shirasu’s workshop and the children’s bedrooms.

Supervised by their eldest daughter, Keiko Makiyama, visitors can savor dishes recreated from Shirasu family recipes, including their famous “Prawn Curry,” omelet rice, and Oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl).

Guests can enjoy a relaxing time while looking out through large glass windows at the verdant “Coppice Garden.”

【Buaiso Thatched-Roof Main House (Museum)】

In the museum, items reflecting Jiro’s country-gentleman lifestyle, along with antiques, kimonos, and handwritten manuscripts collected by Masako, are displayed in rotation according to seasonal themed exhibitions. Referred to as a sanctuary for book lovers, visitors can view up close Masako Shirasu’s study room and the beautiful interior with its harmonious blend of Japanese and Western styles, all preserved with the authentic atmosphere of that era. Please note that shoes and photography are strictly prohibited inside the building.

【Buaiso Coppice Garden】

A pathway leads beyond the main house (museum), opening up into the “Coppice Garden” (Zoki no Niwa). Rather than a flamboyantly manicured garden, it preserves the natural, rich landscape of Musashino’s original scenery. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll while taking in stone Buddha statues and seasonal flowers—such as azaleas and dogtooth violets in spring, narcissus in summer, and autumn foliage.

【Nearby Tourist Spots】

Sugawara Shrine, Minami-Oya Tenjinsha Shrine, Machida Tenmangu Shrine

Machida Tenmangu Shrine [Tokyo]

Sugawara Shrine [Tokyo]

Minami-Oya Tenjinsha Shrine [Tokyo]

【Buaiso Access】

Admin’s Impressions

I visited for lunch after touring the Three Tenjin Shrines of Machida. The bamboo forest boardwalk leading from the parking lot was a magnificent approach where nothing could be heard except the sound of the wind and the chirping of birds. Although there is an admission fee, thanks to that, there is none of the noisy crowding typical of tourist spots. A quiet, calm, and truly luxurious atmosphere—reminiscent of a “hideaway for adults”—pervades the space. There is no better place when you want to step away from the daily bustle and refresh yourself in a refined setting. If you wish to spend a quiet day off on your own or with someone special, I highly recommend paying a visit.

Site / Facility Scale

 (3.5)

Abundance of Nature

 (4)

Ease of Access

 (3)

Crowds / Number of Tourists

 (2.5)

Buaiso Address

7-3-2 Nogaya, Machida, Tokyo 195-0053

*Parking available for facility users.

Approximately a 15-minute walk from the North Exit of Odakyu Odawara Line “Tsurukawa Station.”

Buaiso Official Website

参考

旧白洲邸 武相荘 Buaiso