This place is truly worth a visit! There’s so much history here, and everything is so well-preserved and interesting to explore. Even though the walking tour is in Japanese, it wasn’t a problem at all because they provide clear documents in English. The guide was super friendly and kind 😊 I really loved this museum I already want to recommend it to my friends, and I’d definitely come back again. Thank you for preserving these important pieces of history for all of us to enjoy 🙏✨ I’m really impressed!

+3

Underrated place to visit in Kyoto, magnificent original paintings. However, I recommend bringing an instant AI translater for the guided tours, since the leaflets do not reflect what the guide is saying.

Discover Kyoto’s Hidden History at Sumiya Step back in time to the Edo period. Sumiya is the last remaining "Ageya" in Japan—a grand sub-temple of culture where samurai, artists, and high-ranking courtesans (Tayu) gathered. Look closely at the intricate architecture, from the famous "Mother-of-Pearl" room to the beautiful moss garden. It’s not just a building; it’s a living museum of Kyoto’s golden era of entertainment. Add this hidden gem to your Kyoto itinerary!

Tour is in Japanese only, but there are descriptions in English as well as some pamphlets that describe the details upstairs. Definitely not your typical museum in the traditional sense, but a lovely place to appreciate. Very relaxing atmosphere.

+2

The first floor was okay, but I thought the real treat was the second floor where photography is not allowed. Though it’s a very old cultural house it has interior design that would impress even in a modern art museum, but made even more interesting because you can see and learn the history of the marks and impressions left behind by the people who once used the house. I’m not sure if they have English guides. When I went we joined the Japanese tour and the one foreign tourist was just given a paper with English on it. There was one staff that occasionally explained things to him on the side. I recommend visiting on a sunny day. You can sit and imagine how life felt in the house back in the day.