The flat plaque above the entrance to the smoking room (now the Smoking Room), located in the center of the building, was handwritten by the first Prime Minister, Hirobumi Ito.
It is said that Hirobumi Ito visited the pavilion when it was completed in May 1909 and enjoyed its hospitality and views.
Kichibe Murai received the name "Chorakukan" for this Kyoto villa from Hirobumi Ito.