A long, shaded lane lined with tall, old cedar trees leads to a white, German-inspired historic villa in Tochigi, Japan. Bright red scarlet sage flowers and lush green foliage frame the entrance, with sunlight filtering through the trees onto the gravel path.

German-inspired villa built in 1888 in Tochigi, Japan, commissioned by Viscount Aoki, one of Japan’s first overseas ambassadors. Now a designated historic landmark, the residence attracts wedding photographers and tourists interested in the lifestyle and architecture of Meiji-era aristocrats.