Japan Tokyo Daikanyama

Kyu Asakura House

A glimpse into Taisho-era architecture and gardens in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Photo of Kyu Asakura House, Japan (旧朝倉家住宅 by na0905)

The Kyu Asakura House, built in 1919, is an Important Cultural Property of Japan that offers visitors a view into traditional Japanese architecture and garden design from the Taisho period (1912-1926). This residence showcases the lifestyle and artistic preferences of the Asakura family through its well-preserved interiors and gardens.

About Kyu Asakura House

Home and office to Toro Asakura, the Kyu Asakura House reflects early 20th-century Japanese domestic life. The complex includes single and two-story wings with various rooms, such as a formal 15 tatami mat room, a western-style room, and a tea room, showcasing the architectural styles of the time.

The house withstood the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the Second World War, highlighting its construction quality. Its garden, resembling a traditional roji, offers a setting for reflection and seasonal enjoyment, with plants like azaleas enhancing its beauty.

The Asakura family’s cultural and artistic values are displayed through a collection of artworks and cultural artifacts. Fumio Asakura, a renowned sculptor from the family, left a significant artistic legacy. His studio is accessible to visitors, providing an insight into the creative process.

Efforts to preserve the Kyu Asakura House have kept it as a cultural landmark. The property spans approximately 5,400 square meters, including the main buildings, a storehouse, garden gate, outbuilding, and a landscape. It serves as a notable example of Taisho-era architectural and aesthetic heritage, appealing to those interested in Japanese history and traditional design.

Getting There the easiest way to reach Kyu Asakura House

H 01

Naka-Meguro
 Hibiya Line

 5-10 minute walk (600m)
JY 21

Ebisu
 JR Yamanote Line + 2 more

 10-20 minute walk (0.9km)
G 01

Shibuya
 Ginza Line + 5 more

 10-20 minute walk (1.5km)

Around Kyu Asakura House

Kyu Asakura House

History Museum in Tokyo

open 10am - 4pm (varies)
closed Monday, unless a holiday (and other days)

Address

旧朝倉家住宅, 東京

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Updated 13 Mar 2024 • Report an error

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