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Former Asakura House

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Former Asakura House

A modern Japanese-style architecture that has survived earthquakes and wars, remaining intact in an urban setting.

3.95 1

Last update :
Supervised by :  Shibuya Ward

Tucked away at the front of Megirisaka, just steps from Daikanyama Station, stands a traditional Japanese house rich in history and character. This is the "Former Asakura House," a classic example of modern Japanese architecture.

Constructed in 1919 by Torajiro Asakura, a former chairman of the Tokyo Prefectural Assembly and Shibuya Ward Assembly, this residence exemplifies the grand mansions of the era. The main two-story wooden building features clapboard siding with some sections covered in plaster, typical of affluent homes of that time. Remarkably surviving the Great Kanto Earthquake and the air raids of World War II, it has been designated a national Important Cultural Property, preserving its unchanged appearance through the years.

Another highlight is the garden, crafted to take advantage of the naturally occurring cliff line ("gaisen") terrain. The strolling garden, modestly sized yet richly appointed with stone lanterns and other features, provides a tranquil escape from urban noise. Visitors can enjoy seasonal changes, such as azaleas in spring and vibrant autumn leaves, within this serene atmosphere.

Highlights

  • Built in 1919 as the residence of Torajiro Asakura, former chairman of the Tokyo Prefectural and Shibuya Ward Assemblies.
  • A valuable architectural survivor of major earthquakes and air raids, now a national Important Cultural Property.
  • Features a circuit-style garden designed around the natural cliff line.

Photos

  • A precious building constructed in 1919. Photo by Shibuya Ward.

    A precious building constructed in 1919. Photo by Shibuya Ward.

  • A tranquility unexpected in Shibuya Ward. Photo by Shibuya Ward.

    A tranquility unexpected in Shibuya Ward. Photo by Shibuya Ward.

  • A garden where one can enjoy seasonal flowers and foliage. Photo by Shibuya Ward.

    A garden where one can enjoy seasonal flowers and foliage. Photo by Shibuya Ward.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Can you provide services in foreign languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)
A

Not available

Q

Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
A

Re-entry is not allowed.

Q

Is free WiFi available in the facility?
A

Available between the main gate and the front garden.

Q

Are coin lockers available?
A

Not available.

Reviews

1

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 黃天保
    See More

    This house preserves the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture. The garden is elegant and peaceful, and the whole place is full of historical charm. It's an ideal spot to experience life from the Showa era.

Details

Name in Japanese
旧朝倉家住宅
Postal Code
150-0033
Address
29-20 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Telephone
03-3476-1021
Closed
Mondays（If it falls on a holiday, closed on the following weekday）
Business Hours
10:00am - 6:00pm（Admission allowed until 5:30pm）
*From November to December 10:00am - 4:30pm（Admission allowed until 4:00pm）
Admission
General admission is 500 yen; elementary and junior high school students are 50 yen.
*Free for seniors over 60, persons with disabilities, and their caregivers.
Access
5-minute walk from Daikanyama Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
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