All historic houses to visit in Japan

Step into the past at 21 historic houses in Japan. These preserved homes offer a glimpse into the lives of notable figures and everyday people from different eras.

Are you interested in exploring historic homes? Here are the must-see historic houses in Japan:

  1. Hiroshima Castle1

    Hiroshima Castle

     Hiroshima
    Also 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
  2. Okochi Sanso Garden2

    Okochi Sanso Garden

     Kyoto
    Ōkōchi 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.
  3. Osaka Museum of History3

    Osaka Museum of History

     Osaka Prefecture
    The 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.
  4. Sapporo Clock Tower4

    Sapporo Clock Tower

     Sapporo
    The 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.
  5. The Museum of Kyoto5

    The Museum of Kyoto

     Kyoto
    The 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.
  6. Nagoya City Municipal Archives Museum6

    Nagoya City Municipal Archives Museum

     Nagoya
    The 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.
  7. Odawara Castle7

    Odawara Castle

     Odawara
    Originally 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
  8. Sankeien Garden8

    Sankeien Garden

     Yokohama
    Sankei-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.
  9. Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall9

    Kanazawa Shinise Memorial Hall

     Kanazawa
    This 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
  10. Tokugawa Art Museum10

    Tokugawa Art Museum

     Nagoya
    The 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.
  11. Sumiya Motenashi Cultural and Art Museum11

    Sumiya Motenashi Cultural and Art Museum

     Kyoto
    Former pleasure house where statesman, artists and writers gathered for conversation and art performances. Nowadays it is serving as a museum.
  12. Museum of Tin Toys12

    Museum of Tin Toys

     Yokohama
    The 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.
  13. Shitamachi Museum13

    Shitamachi Museum

     Tokyo
    The 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.
  14. Kawai Kanjiro's House14

    Kawai Kanjiro's House

     Kyoto
    A 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.
  15. Maeda Tosanokami-ke Shiryokan Museum15

    Maeda Tosanokami-ke Shiryokan Museum

     Kanazawa
    The Maeda Tosanokami-ke Shiryokan Museum displays many historical artifacts which belonged to the members of the Maeda Tosanokami family.
  16. Kaga-Honda Museum16

    Kaga-Honda Museum

     Kanazawa
    The 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
  17. Muro Saisei Kinenkan Museum17

    Muro Saisei Kinenkan Museum

     Kanazawa
    This is the birthplace of the famous Japanese poet Saisei Muro. The house is surrounded by a tranquil moss garden.
  18. Kanagawa Prefectural Kanazawa-Bunko Museum18

    Kanagawa Prefectural Kanazawa-Bunko Museum

     Yokohama
    The 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.
  19. Sapporo City Transportation Museum19

    Sapporo City Transportation Museum

     Sapporo
    Explore the history of the city and admire its beautiful historic building. A place worth visiting not only for history enthusiasts.
  20. Asakura Museum of Sculpture20

    Asakura Museum of Sculpture

     Tokyo
    The 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.
  21. Hayashibara Museum of Art21

    Hayashibara Museum of Art

     Okayama
    The 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.