Kyu Asakura House

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

Photo of Kyu Asakura House, Japan
Photo by na0905 (CC BY)

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.

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.

旧朝倉家住宅
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

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

Nearby in Tokyo the best attractions close to Kyu Asakura House

Daikanyama T-Site

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Saigoyama Park

A historical legacy with panoramic views

Updated 15 Nov 2025 Report an error