Kyu Asakura House

Kyu Asakura House (旧朝倉家住宅) was commissioned in 1919 by Asakura Torajiro, a former chairman of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly. This designated Important Cultural Property is one of the best examples of the architecture of the Taisho period (1912-1926). Nestled in the heart of the fashionable Daikanyama district, the house stands as a remarkable architectural “lull,” preserved in its original state despite the rapid modernization of the surrounding area. The property famously escaped the destruction of both the Great Kanto Earthquake and the air raids of World War II, making it a rare surviving link to Tokyo’s residential history.

A Taisho-Era Sanctuary

The house is a masterpiece of wooden construction, featuring expansive tatami rooms, intricate sliding doors, and polished corridors that showcase the high-quality craftsmanship of the early 20th century. One of the most striking features is the use of natural light and the seamless connection between the interior and the exterior. Large glass windows, which were a luxury during the Taisho period, offer framed views of the garden from almost every room. The second floor, often used for formal receptions, provides a unique perspective of the treetops, emphasizing the house’s role as a private retreat for the elite.

The Japanese garden with its stone lanterns and landscaped rocks is also delightful. As a classic stroll garden, it was designed to be experienced while walking, with the scenery shifting at every turn of the path. The steep topography of the site is utilized to create layers of greenery, featuring maple trees that turn vibrant shades of red and orange in the autumn. For those exploring the high-end boutiques of Shibuya or Daikanyama, this house is a highly recommended detour, providing a quiet, meditative space that feels worlds apart from the urban frenzy just outside its gates.