Are you interested in exploring historic homes? Here are the must-see historic houses in Japan:
1Hiroshima Castle
HiroshimaAlso known as Carp Castle, the castle was built in the 1590s by the feudal lord Mori Terumoto. After it was destroyed by the atomic bombing in 1945, it was rebuilt and now it serves as a history museum. The exhibition is devoted to the history of Hiroshima and to the castle itself but also to Japa 2Okochi Sanso Garden
KyotoŌkōchi Sansō, located in Arashiyama, Kyoto, is the former residence and garden of Denjirō Ōkōchi, a renowned actor in Japanese period films. This historic site offers visitors a glimpse into the life of the actor and the era in which he lived. The villa and its gardens are open to the public, providing a unique opportunity to explore a piece of Japanese history and culture. 3Osaka Museum of History
Osaka PrefectureThe Osaka Museum of History, colloquially known as "Rekihaku", is a modern high-rise building located in Osaka, Japan. The museum presents a comprehensive view of Japanese history, with a particular emphasis on the city of Osaka. The museum's exhibits start from the 10th floor and descend to the 7th floor, with special exhibitions extending to the 6th floor. 4Sapporo Clock Tower
SapporoThe Sapporo Clock Tower is a notable wooden structure situated in Chūō-ku, Sapporo, the largest city on the island of Hokkaidō, Japan. As a significant tourist attraction, it holds a unique place in the city's landscape and is easily accessible for visitors. 5The Museum of Kyoto
KyotoThe Museum of Kyoto is a cultural institution that focuses on the history and culture of Kyoto. It provides a comprehensive overview of the city's past, from its ancient origins to its modern developments. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits that showcase the unique traditions, arts, and historical events that have shaped Kyoto over the centuries. 6Nagoya City Municipal Archives Museum
NagoyaThe Nagoya City Municipal Archives is a historic building situated in the city of Nagoya, in the Aichi Prefecture of Japan. This building holds significant historical value and provides a glimpse into the architectural trends of the past. 7Odawara Castle
OdawaraOriginally built in the 15th century, this castle, which was rebuilt and destroyed many times, now houses a history museum focused on the city and the castle's history. It also offers splendid views of the area. When entering the castle grounds, be sure to take a look at the magnificent gates. Once 8Sankeien Garden
YokohamaSankei-en is a public park located in Yokohama. It is unique in its collection of buildings that span various centuries and originate from different parts of Japan. This offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience a wide range of Japanese architectural styles and historical periods in one location. 9Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall
KanazawaThis building formerly housed a pharmacy that belonged to one of Kanazawa’s most respected families. Nowadays, it is a museum displaying traditional pharmaceutical artefacts. Moreover, you can also explore exhibitions about traditional lifestyle of Kanazawa’s citizens here or meditate in a small, pe 10Tokugawa Art Museum
NagoyaThe Tokugawa Art Museum is a private institution situated in the former Ōzone Shimoyashiki compound in Nagoya, central Japan. This location is steeped in history and provides a unique setting for the museum. 11Sumiya Motenashi Cultural and Art Museum
KyotoFormer pleasure house where statesman, artists and writers gathered for conversation and art performances. Nowadays it is serving as a museum. 12Museum of Tin Toys
YokohamaThe Museum of Tin Toys is situated in the city of Yokohama, in the Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan. This museum is dedicated to the display and preservation of tin toys, offering a unique insight into the history and evolution of these playful artifacts. 13Shitamachi Museum
TokyoThe Shitamachi Museum is situated in the Ueno district of Taito, Tokyo, Japan. It is conveniently located on the shores of the scenic Shinobazu Pond within the expansive Ueno Park. This location offers visitors the opportunity to combine a visit to the museum with a leisurely stroll around the park and pond. 14Kawai Kanjiro's House
KyotoA small museum built in the rural style. It features expositions of pottery and furniture. It was home to Kawai Kanjirō, one of the best known Japan potters. 15Maeda Tosanokami-ke Shiryokan Museum
KanazawaThe Maeda Tosanokami-ke Shiryokan Museum displays many historical artifacts which belonged to the members of the Maeda Tosanokami family. 16Kaga-Honda Museum
KanazawaThe museum is named after Honda family, which was the second most powerful family in Kanazawa in the 18th century. The museum has a rich collection of armor and weapons which were used by brave Japanese samurais. Apart from that, the exhibitions also display many precious historical items like pain 17Muro Saisei Kinenkan Museum
KanazawaThis is the birthplace of the famous Japanese poet Saisei Muro. The house is surrounded by a tranquil moss garden. 18Kanagawa Prefectural Kanazawa-Bunko Museum
YokohamaThe Kanagawa Prefectural Kanazawa-Bunko Museum, also known as Kanazawa Bunko, is situated in the Kanazawa Ward of Yokohama, Japan. This museum is a significant cultural site that houses a vast collection of traditional Japanese and Chinese art objects, many of which date back to the Kamakura period. 19Sapporo City Transportation Museum
SapporoExplore the history of the city and admire its beautiful historic building. A place worth visiting not only for history enthusiasts. 20Asakura Museum of Sculpture
TokyoThe Asakura Museum of Sculpture is an art museum located in Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to showcasing the sculptures and life work of Fumio Asakura, a renowned Japanese sculptor who lived from 1883 to 1965. The museum provides a comprehensive view of Asakura's artistic journey and his significant contributions to the field of sculpture. 21Hayashibara Museum of Art
OkayamaThe Hayashibara Museum of Art, owned by the Hayashibara Group, is situated at 2-7-15 Marunouchi, Kita-ku, in Okayama. The museum is located on the site of a former guest house by the inner moat of Okayama Castle, providing a unique historical context to the museum's location.