Kyu-Asakurake House（旧朝倉家住宅）
A Tranquil Taishō-Era Retreat in Shibuya Nestled amidst the vibrant streets of Shibuya, the Kyū-Asakura House offers a serene glimpse into early 20th-century Japan. Constructed in 1919 by Torajirō Asakura, a prominent politician and chairman of the Tokyo Prefectural Assembly, this two-story wooden residence exemplifies Taishō-era architecture. Remarkably, it withstood both the Great Kantō Earthquake […]
Kiyosumi Teien（清澄庭園）
A Meiji-Era Garden of Stones and Serenity in Tokyo Nestled in the Fukagawa district of Tokyo, Kiyosumi Teien is a tranquil Japanese stroll garden that seamlessly blends natural beauty with historical significance. Originally part of the Edo-period residence of the wealthy merchant Kinokuniya Bunzaemon, the garden later became the suburban estate of Kuze Yamato no […]
Kyu-Furukawa Teien（旧古河庭園）
A Harmonious Blend of Western Elegance and Japanese Serenity Kyū-Furukawa Teien is a historic garden in Tokyo’s Kita Ward, celebrated for its rare blend of Western architecture and a traditional Japanese landscape. The estate dates back to 1917, when Baron Toranosuke Furukawa, a powerful industrialist, commissioned its construction. Josiah Conder, a British architect who profoundly […]
Mukojima-hyakka-en（向島百花園）
A rare Edo-period flower garden still blooming today Located in Tokyo’s Sumida Ward, Mukōjima-Hyakka-en is a unique historic garden built between 1804 and 1830. Unlike many Japanese gardens from the Edo period, this one was not created by a feudal lord or as part of a private residence. Instead, an antique dealer named Sahara Kikū […]
Jomyo-ji（浄妙寺）
A Zen Retreat with Ashikaga Legacy and Garden Tranquility Tucked into the eastern hills of Kamakura, Jōmyō-ji stands as the fifth temple of the Kamakura Gozan, the Five Great Zen Temples. Founded in 1188 by Ashikaga Yoshikane, a samurai who served Minamoto no Yoritomo, the temple began as a Mikkyō (esoteric Buddhism) temple named Gokuraku-ji. […]
Hasedera（長谷寺）
Hydrangeas, Kannon, and Ocean Views in Kamakura Nestled in the hills of Kamakura, Hasedera Temple—also known as Hase Kannon—combines sacred history with natural beauty. It is said to be the second oldest temple in the city and serves as the fourth stop on the Kantō thirty-three Kannon pilgrimage. Visitors come not only for spiritual reasons […]
Ōhashi-ke（大橋家庭園）
Historic private garden in Fushimi Inari with Kyoto’s oldest Suikinkutsu The Ōhashi-ke garden lies quietly in the Fushimi Inari area of southern Kyoto. Although small, it offers a rare feature: Japan’s oldest Suikinkutsu (水琴窟), a hidden water instrument that creates delicate sounds. A Suikinkutsu is a jar buried under a basin. As water drips through […]
Ryugon （龍言）
Luxury ryokan in Niigata combining tradition and refined modern design Ryugon is one of the most iconic guesthouses in Japan, located in Niigata’s Snow Country. While it now operates as a luxury ryokan, its roots lie in a deep respect for traditional Japanese architecture. The story begins in 1964, when Utsugi Toshio, the founder, returned […]
Nishimura-ke and Umetsuji-ke （西村家 梅辻家 社家町）
Historic priest residences near Kamigamo Shrine in Kyoto The Nishimura and Umetsuji residences are traditional homes in Kyoto, once inhabited by priests of Kamigamo Shrine. These houses belong to a special category called Shake (社家)—residences of hereditary Shinto priest families. In the past, it was common for the role of head priest to be passed […]
Toji-in（等持院）
A Hidden Temple with Ashikaga Legacy Tōji-in is a peaceful Zen temple tucked away in northern Kyoto. Unlike the city’s more famous sites, it remains largely untouched by tourist crowds. The temple was founded in 1341 by Ashikaga Takauji, the first shogun of the Muromachi period. He commissioned the renowned garden designer and Zen priest […]