DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Sugimoto Residence

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
historical-site
—°9
Sugimoto Residence (Japan)

Weather…

The Sugimoto Residence, located in Kyoto's Shimogyo-ku district, is one of the largest and most authentic examples of a traditional merchant townhouse (machiya). The current main building was reconstructed in 1870 following the Great Fire of Kyoto in 1864, which destroyed much of the city center. It served as both the residence and business headquarters for the Sugimoto family, who were prominent textile merchants operating under the trade name Nara-ya. The complex consists of several interconnected wings, internal courtyards (tsuboniwa), and storehouses (kura), reflecting the high-status urban architecture of the late Edo and early Meiji periods. The residence plays a vital role during the Gion Festival, acting as a site where the treasures of the Kannon-yama float are stored and displayed. Designated as an Important Cultural Property in 1990 and a National Site of Scenic Beauty in 2011, it provides rare insight into the domestic and commercial life of a historic Kyoto merchant house.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C1261116202425211594
Rain mm72781151351561922201542081768582

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Sugimoto Residence is a well-preserved Edo-period merchant house (machiya) in Kyoto. The interior can be visited, offering insight into the living culture of wealthy merchants.
🕒
Typical hours
The house is typically open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, closed on some days. Check exact opening hours in advance, especially on holidays.
📷
Photography
Photography is generally allowed indoors without flash. In some rooms, photography may be prohibited, so follow the signs.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow about one hour for the residence visit. If you want to explore the surrounding area, plan for an additional half day.
➕
Combine with
Combine the visit with other machiya in the area or the nearby Nijō Castle. The traditional crafts street is also worth a stroll.
🧭
Getting there
The residence is located in central Kyoto and is well accessible by bus or subway. The nearest stop is about a 10-minute walk away.
💡
Insider tip
Visit in the morning to see the rooms in the best light. Ask for an English brochure to learn more about the house's history.

Geography

Coordinates
35.00100, 135.75700

Facts

  • The current main house was built in 1870 after the 1864 Great Fire of Kyoto.
  • The residence was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1990.
  • It is one of the most extensive examples of machiya architecture in Kyoto.
  • The Sugimoto family specialized in the textile trade under the name Nara-ya.
  • The house hosts the decorations for the Kannon-yama float during the Gion Festival.
  • The gardens were designated a National Site of Scenic Beauty in 2011.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

KyotoKyoto1 km · NWExplore →
UjiUji10 km · NEExplore →
NaraNara26 km · EExplore →
Lake BiwaLake Biwa34 km · NWExplore →
OsakaOsaka37 km · SEExplore →
ObamaObama39 km · WExplore →
OiOi41 km · WExplore →
Mozu-Furuichi Kofun GroupMozu-Furuichi Kofun Group44 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Sugimoto Residence (9)

Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum🏛 museum

Located within a traditional former residence, this unique museum showcases a vast collection of intricate, miniature netsuke carvings.

Katsura Imperial Villa🏰 castle

Founded in 1616, this imperial retreat is celebrated as a masterpiece of traditional Japanese architecture and stroll-garden design.

💶

Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture🏛 museum

Situated in the scenic Arashiyama district, this cultural institution is dedicated to classic Japanese poetry and traditional scroll paintings.

Fukuda Art Museum🏛 museum

Designed by architect Koichi Yasuda and opened in 2019, this modern gallery highlights masterpieces by Kyoto's traditional painters.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-17:00💶

Mt. Ōe Burial Mounds🏺 historical

Scattered across a hillside, this archaeological site preserves a prominent cluster of ancient earthen burial mounds from Japan's Kofun period.

Hebizuka Kofun Ancient Tomb🏺 historical

Once a massive keyhole-shaped burial mound, this ancient ruin now reveals the colossal, exposed stone blocks of its inner burial chamber.

Saimyo-ji⛪ religious

Located in the mountainous Takao region, this serene Buddhist temple is celebrated for its vermilion bridge and spectacular autumn maple foliage.

Daihikaku Senkoji⛪ religious

Perched high on a steep cliff, this rustic mountain temple features sweeping panoramic views over the winding Hozu River gorge.

Honenji Temple⛪ religious

Dedicated to the founder of Pure Land Buddhism, this quiet temple complex provides a peaceful spiritual retreat away from the busy city streets.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Sugimoto Residence?
One of the largest and best-preserved traditional Kyoto Machiya houses.
Is it open to the public?
Only during special seasonal openings, often during the Gion Festival.
Where is the house located?
In Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, not far from Shijo Street.
What can you see inside?
Traditional tatami rooms, inner gardens, and historical household items.
Is there a tea ceremony held there?
Tea events are occasionally offered during the opening days.
Sugimoto Residence: where is it located?
Sugimoto Residence is located in Japan.
Sugimoto Residence: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum, Katsura Imperial Villa, Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture.
Sugimoto Residence: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Sugimoto Residence: why is it worth visiting?
The Sugimoto Residence, located in Kyoto's Shimogyo-ku district, is one of the largest and most authentic examples of a traditional merchant townhouse (machiya).
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Japan →

Nearby cities

Maizuru — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Maizuru
A scenic port city in Kyoto Prefecture, famous for its naval history and historic red brick warehouses along the Sea of Japan.
Kyotango — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Kyotango
A city on the Sea of Japan coast, famous for its 'singing sand' beach and excellent seafood.
Miyazu — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Miyazu
Home to one of Japan's three most scenic views, Amanohashidate, Miyazu offers breathtaking coastal panoramas and a rich maritime heritage.
Ine — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Ine
A picturesque fishing village in Kyoto Prefecture, world-famous for its unique 'Funaya' boathouses built right on the water.
Kyoto — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Kyoto
Former imperial capital and symbol of traditional Japanese culture.
Nara — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Nara
Before Kyoto, Nara was Japan's first permanent capital in the 8th century.
Osaka — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Osaka
Japan's third-largest city, known as the country's culinary capital.
Obama — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Obama
A historic port city on Wakasa Bay, famous for its temples, traditional crafts, and world-class seafood.
Oi — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Oi
A peaceful coastal town ideal for family activities and relaxation by the water.
Takahama — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Takahama
A premier coastal resort featuring the Blue Flag certified Wakasa Wada Beach and views of Mt.
Sakai — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Sakai
Historic port city famous for giant burial mounds (Kofun), traditional knives, and tea culture.
Wakasa — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Wakasa
A town rich in history, known for the Uriwari Waterfall and its picturesque coastline.
Yoshino — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Yoshino
Japan's most famous cherry blossom viewing site and a UNESCO World Heritage mountain.
Takaishi — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Takaishi
A city in Osaka known for its spectacular industrial night views and historic parks.
Dorogawa — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Dorogawa
A secluded onsen village in the mountains of Nara, serving as a spiritual hub for pilgrims.

History & landmarks

Uji — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Uji
Uji is the heart of Japanese tea culture and home to the magnificent Byodo-in Temple.
Hikone — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Hikone
A historic castle town by Lake Biwa, famous for one of Japan's best-preserved original castles.

Nature

Lake Biwa — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Lake Biwa
The largest freshwater lake in Japan, located in Shiga Prefecture.

More places

Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group
A group of megalithic tombs, or kofun (tumuli), built for the ruling elite in the 4th and 5th centuries.
Azuchi Castle Ruins — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Azuchi Castle Ruins
The ruins of the castle of Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan's great unifiers.
Mount Kōya (Kōyasan) — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Mount Kōya (Kōyasan)
The center of Shingon Buddhism, an important Buddhist sect.
Port of Kobe — Sugimoto Residence (Japan)
Port of Kobe
A major Japanese seaport in Hyōgo Prefecture.