Seikantei was built in 1906 (Meiji 39) in Odawara-cho, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture (now Minami-cho, Odawara City) as a villa for Marquis Kuroda Nagashige, who was active during the Meiji period. It is located on a south-facing slope on the outer earthen ramparts of the Sannomaru outer perimeter of the former Odawara Castle, and on clear days you can see a panoramic view of Sagami Bay, Mt. Hakone, as well as the Manazuru Peninsula and Oshima Island from the main house. The building is built in the informal Sukiya style, with a single-story and two-story building connected together. Inside, you can see exquisite design elements such as painted sliding doors and wickerwork ceilings.
In 2005, Seikantei was registered as a national tangible cultural property, and is now open to the public as a facility of Odawara City since 2010.
There is also a cafe where you can enjoy coffee or matcha while looking out at the garden and Sagami Bay. The museum also hosts seasonal events such as special exhibitions and concerts.
