In Part One of our series of articles on some original ways to enjoy the ancient city of Kyoto, I described what it was like to stay in a restored traditional machiya house during my recent trip to the city. Now, in the second article of the series, I’d like to introduce a tourist spot I visited which may not be at the top of people’s list of places to visit in Kyoto but nonetheless is both historically and architecturally interesting. The building, known as Sumiya, is literally one of a kind, as it is the only “ageya-style” structure that remains in Japan today. So, let’s take a look at this unique ageya building with a fascinating history over three-and-a-half centuries old.
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
What’s at the top of this giant escalator in Japan?
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Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Real-world Koraidon and Miraidon Pokémon are ready for their close-ups【Photos】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods
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Japanese company selling bear-proof automatic doors
Video claims that if you can read a certain font, you are probably not Japanese【Video】
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
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Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
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Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
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Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service music box to its anime merchandise shop in Japan
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods
Tokyo Station’s perfect breakfast spot might just be this izakaya Japanese-style pub
A whole slew of Totoro Christmas cakes are on their way to make the season extra merry【Photos】
Japanese company selling bear-proof automatic doors
Video claims that if you can read a certain font, you are probably not Japanese【Video】
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
New anime mecha figure’s pilot is…you!?!【Photos】
Sanrio brings some smiles to Evangelion with new collaboration merch line【Photos】
Once you hear this lady sing “Yooooooghurppe”, you may never stop hearing it
You can now find real-life Animal Crossing star fragments in the real world, and eat them too
Resident Evil Umbrella green, red herb bath salts now exist in real world, are terrifying【Pics】
Popular Japanese ramen restaurant Ichiran’s lucky bags are great value for money
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods, drinkware and candles for the 2025 holiday season
Viral 3D ice creams land in Japan… but are they worth the hype?