The Kyu Asakura House (旧朝倉家住宅, the literal translation is Old Asakura House) is a gem hidden in central Daikanyama, Shibuya-ku. I stumbled upon it the other day on my way from Ebisu to Nakameguro, and some magical force pulled me inside to discover this Important Cultural Property.

If you enjoy this historical property, you should also visit General Nogi’s house between Roppongi and Aoyama. Its a short walk from Mid-town Roppongi. Also a bit further out from central Tokyo is a great park with a museum housing old Japanese houses from different eras – Edo – Tokyo Open-Air Museum.  

Kyu Asakura House, Daikanyama

This beautiful 1919 house and expansive gardens are an excellent example of Taisho period architecture and landscaping. The house is a very large two story structure that is solid wood and has been restored beautifully. The garden that is built on a slope is lush and soothing in the heat. Kids will also enjoy the visit since there is a lot to climb and explore. I would highly recommend a 30-60 minute visit that will make you feel like you are in the countryside of Japan far away from the fancy eateries and shops of Daikanyama. It is also one of the best values in Tokyo costing only 100 yen for adults.

The house was constructed in 1919 by Torajiro Asakura, who was Chairman of Tokyo’s Prefectural Assembly,  as his house and a place for him to conduct business. It survived the Great Kanto Earthquake and the Second World War. For a long time it was used by the Shibuya City Assembly of Ministry of Economy and Projects. In 2004 the house was designated as an Important Cultural Property by the government.

Kyu Asakura House, Daikanyama Details

Address: 29-20 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku (Google Map)
Telephone: 03-3476-1021
Open hours: March 1 – October 31 10:00 – 18:00, November 1 – Feb end 10:00 – 16:30
Closed Monday (Tuesday if Monday is a national holiday) and End-year holidays
Entrance fee: Adults 100 yen, Junior high and elementary 50 yen
Access: A five-minute walk from Daikanyama Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line
A five-minute walk from Daikanyama Eki bus stop on the Yuyake Koyake Route of the Hachiko Bus
Website: http://www.city.shibuya.tokyo.jp/eng/est/asakura.html
Note: Not stroller or wheelchair friendly. Also, there is no parking for private cars.

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Kyu Asakura, Daikanyama

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