Kyu Asakura House, Tokyo

This beautifully preserved house remains in the center of Tokyo just one train stop from busy Shibuya. It was built in 1919 by Torajiro Asakura, chairperson of the Tokyo Council, and has survived wars and earthquakes. Inside, most of the rooms are Japanese style with tatami mat flooring and screen doors and walls, but to the right of the entrance is one Western-style room with sash windows and carpeting. Behind the building is a storehouse, and surrounding it are beautiful gardens built into the slope of the hillside with stone lanterns and rock pathways. Visit in spring or autumn to see the gardens at their best. Opening times are shorter in the winter. -AH

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