Kounkaku is a historical building in Matsue Castle Park, completed in 1903 and originally built as a guesthouse to welcome royalty and dignitaries visiting Matsue. Its name “Koun” comes from “Unshu,” a poetic title of Matsue feudal lord Matsudaira Jigyo. Matsudaira Jirigo was also famous as a tea master, and his aesthetic sense and cultural influence can be seen in the present-day Kounkaku. The building is a two-story wooden structure in a traditional Japanese-Western style, blending the beauty of Japanese-style architecture with elements of Western-style architecture. The interior, in particular, is decorated with a coffered ceiling and beautiful carved transoms, showing the best of the craftsmanship of the time. The interior, in particular, is decorated with beautiful column carvings and a coffered ceiling, which shows the best of the craftsmanship of the time. After Kounkaku ceased its role as a guesthouse, its use changed with the times. At one time it was in danger of being demolished, but the citizens' campaign for its preservation was successful, and today it is open to the public as a facility that conveys Matsue's history and culture. Inside, there are exhibition rooms and event spaces where visitors can learn about Matsue's traditional culture and history.