The Shoin House at Chicago Botanic Gardens is modeled on the dwellings of warriors and aristocrats of the Edo period. This 23 tatami mat house was built in Japan using traditional carpentry joinery techniques and materials, and brought over in 1982. Roof shingles were tapered at the bottom 2″ which creates a unique rounding effect. Set on an island with traditional Japanese landscaping on one side and overhanging a pond on the other side.

The traditional architectural features of the house, along with the meticulously designed garden, create an immersive and culturally rich experience for visitors. It is a recreation of a feudal lord’s garden retreat.

Today the Shoin House serves as a place for spiritual rejuvenation and relaxation.
The gardens are open year round at 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe, Illinois, 60022. Shoin House is open limited hours.
For more information visit http://www.chicagobotanic.org

The traditional architectural features of the house, along with the meticulously
designed garden, create an immersive and culturally rich experience for visitors. It
is a recreation of a feudal lord’s garden retreat.