"Tell me: What’s this place all about? Built in 1919, the former residence of government official Torajiro Asakura is a marvelously preserved example of traditional Japanese architecture tucked into Tokyo ’s bustling Daikanyama district. For ¥100 (¥50 for students, free for seniors over 60 and people with disabilities), you can wander through the building’s stately wooden corridors, tatami-floored rooms, and beautifully manicured grounds. The suginoma (cedar rooms) on the west side of the structure offer postcard-perfect views of the Japanese garden—particularly in the autumn, when the maple trees blaze with color. Having survived the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and the bombing during World War II, the structure was designated an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government in 2004. What’s it like being there? One of the city’s best-kept secrets, the property is an oasis of calm. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds for an hour or two and contemplate the passing of time. Who comes here? The building’s intricately carved fixtures, clay roof tiles, and latticed ceilings will appeal to architecture and design buffs, but anyone with an interest in the way people lived in the past will find much to admire. Did it meet expectations? This is a good primer if you plan to visit the elaborate palaces, historical villas, and gardens of Kyoto. You’ll leave with a greater appreciation of Japanese aesthetics and uses of space. So then what, or who, do you think it’s best for? If you need a break from the urban intensity of the Japanese capital, this is the place. You’ll have to take off your shoes to enter the building, so be sure to bring socks (alternatively, you can purchase a pair at the entrance). Unfortunately, the lack of barrier-free access makes navigating the building’s interior less than ideal for those with disabilities." - Melinda Joe
