Hakusasonso was built in 1916 by the artist Hashimoto Kansetstu (1883-1945) and is a museum which holds and exhibits his work. Located near Mt. Daimonji, Mt. Hiei and only a short distance away from Ginkakuji Temple, it was designed by Hashimoto and was initially used as the artist’s private residence and atelier.

Hashimoto Kansetsu was born in 1883 and was a painter of nihonga (Japanese-style paintings). Active during the Showa and Taisho eras, Hashimoto travelled to both China and Europe and later established himself as a famed artist by creating a new genre of painting called shin-nanga. Zonko-rou is part of the original buildings designed by Hashimoto in 1916. Used as the artist’s atelier for creating large-scale paintings, the building is located within the garden grounds and is used for special events and exhibitions.