菊屋家は、江戸時代、毛利藩の御用を勤めた商家です。現存する大型商家としては最古の部類に属し、主屋や本蔵、金蔵など5棟が重要文化財に指定されています。
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Kikuya Residence

4.2
·202 reviews·萩市, Japan

Step back in time at Kikuya Residence, a historic samurai house offering a glimpse into Japan's past with a magical night garden and cafe.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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菊屋家は、江戸時代、毛利藩の御用を勤めた商家です。現存する大型商家としては最古の部類に属し、主屋や本蔵、金蔵など5棟が重要文化財に指定されています。

Kikuya Residence

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at Kikuya Residence, a historic samurai house offering a glimpse into Japan's past with a magical night garden and cafe.

4.2
(202 reviews)

"Wholesome experience! Night cafe and museum is really wonderful. Highly recommended!!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Guided Tours are a Must

Opt for a guided tour, especially if led by a family descendant, for rich historical context.

✨ Evening Ambiance

The night cafe and illuminated garden offer a truly special and beautiful experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Night Garden Lanterns

Night Garden Lanterns

Inner Garden

Wander through the illuminated garden at night, a magical experience with soft lantern light casting shadows.

Historic Exhibits

Historic Exhibits

Museum

Marvel at artifacts like a 17th-century cash box and a clock gifted by Ito Hirobumi.

Family Descendant Tours

Family Descendant Tours

Throughout the Residence

Gain unique historical context and personal anecdotes from guides who are part of the Kikuya family.

Tranquil Inner Garden

Tranquil Inner Garden

Inner Garden

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the samurai house garden, a serene escape with potential wildlife sightings.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit

To truly soak in the Kikuya Residence's charm, aim for weekdays outside of peak hours. Early mornings or late afternoons offer a more serene experience, allowing you to appreciate the exhibits and gardens without the rush. Consider visiting during the evening cafe hours for a unique ambiance.

Engage with the History

While an English pamphlet is available, the guided tours, often led by family descendants, offer invaluable insights. If your Japanese is basic, try to catch a tour where the guide is particularly engaging. The personal stories truly bring the Kikuya family's history to life.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Magical cafe and garden ambiance
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Guided Tours are a Must

Opt for a guided tour, especially if led by a family descendant, for rich historical context. Reddit

✨ Evening Ambiance

The night cafe and illuminated garden offer a truly special and beautiful experience. Reddit

🐱 Garden Wildlife

Keep an eye out for cats and badgers that sometimes visit the inner garden! Reddit

📚 English Pamphlet Available

An English pamphlet with numbered explanations helps you navigate the exhibits. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Guided Tours are a Must

Opt for a guided tour, especially if led by a family descendant, for rich historical context. Reddit

✨ Evening Ambiance

The night cafe and illuminated garden offer a truly special and beautiful experience. Reddit

🐱 Garden Wildlife

Keep an eye out for cats and badgers that sometimes visit the inner garden! Reddit

📚 English Pamphlet Available

An English pamphlet with numbered explanations helps you navigate the exhibits. Reddit

💰 Consider Admission Price

It's noted as slightly more expensive than similar museums, so factor that in. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(202 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Kikuya Residence for its wholesome experience, particularly highlighting the magical night cafe and illuminated garden. The guided tours, often led by family descendants, are a significant draw, offering valuable historical insights. While some find it slightly pricier than other museums, the unique atmosphere and historical exhibits make it a highly recommended destination.

"Wholesome experience! Night cafe and museum is really wonderful. Delicious tea and sweets, night tour around museum and night garden with lanters is so beautiful. Highly recommended!!! And your guide will be owner and descendant of family"

Elena Sergeeva

"The residence is impressive, and there are numerous exhibits from both medieval and modern eras.The old cash box from the beginning of 17th century and wall clock gifted to the Kikuya family by Ito Hirobumi are particularly outstanding. The staff was super polite and provided an excursion with valuable explanations in simple Japanese.
Cats and badgers sometimes enter the inner garden to relax in the shadows of trees, and if you are lucky enough, you'll be able to see them🐱
I discovered the residence by accident but was very pleased with my visit."

Sunny Satellite

"Prob the biggest out of 4 residences that I visited. Spent about less than 30 min to view the whole place.
They have English pamphlet with numbered explanations that you can match with the exhibits."

F Paul

What People Like

Magical night garden
Family descendant tours
Delicious tea and sweets

What People Dislike

Slightly higher price

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Information on public transport or driving directions to Kikuya Residence would typically be found on their official website or local tourism guides. Travelers often rely on local bus routes or taxis to reach historical residences in Japan. Reddit

Parking availability can vary for historical sites. It's advisable to check the official Kikuya Residence website or local listings for information on on-site parking or nearby public parking facilities. Reddit

Identifying the closest train station is crucial for planning your journey. Search for 'Kikuya Residence nearest train station' online or consult a local map for precise details. Reddit

The walkability depends on the residence's location within its city. Check a map service to gauge the distance and estimated walking time from key points in the city center. Reddit

Some tourist attractions offer shuttle services, especially if they are a bit remote. It's best to check the official Kikuya Residence website for any transportation assistance programs. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, especially for evening events. The Kikuya Residence typically operates during the day, with special hours for its night cafe and garden. Always check their official website for the most current hours. Reddit

Admission fees can differ for adults and children, and sometimes for special exhibitions or evening access. Reviews suggest it might be slightly pricier than comparable museums. Reddit

Online ticket purchasing is becoming common for attractions. Check the official Kikuya Residence website to see if advance booking is available or recommended. Reddit

Many historical sites offer concession rates. Inquire directly with the Kikuya Residence or check their website for any available discounts for specific groups. Reddit

Re-entry policies vary. If you plan to leave and return, it's best to confirm with staff at the entrance or check the Kikuya Residence's visitor guidelines. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

A quick walkthrough might take less than 30 minutes, but to fully appreciate the exhibits, garden, and potentially the cafe, plan for 1-2 hours. Reddit

While children can visit, the focus is on historical exhibits. The garden might be more engaging for younger visitors. Ensure supervision, especially in historical buildings. Reddit

While an English pamphlet is provided, guided tours are often in Japanese. However, some guides may offer explanations in simple Japanese, and family descendants often lead tours. Reddit

Visitors often highlight the 17th-century cash box and the wall clock gifted by Ito Hirobumi as particularly outstanding exhibits. Reddit

Photography policies can differ for historical interiors. It's best to look for signage or ask staff if photography is permitted inside the residence and museum areas. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Kikuya Residence features a night cafe that offers delicious tea and sweets, providing a wonderful ambiance. Reddit

The cafe is known for its tea and sweets, offering a delightful culinary experience to complement the visit. Reddit

It's wise to check if reservations are recommended, especially during peak times or for evening visits, to ensure you can enjoy the cafe's offerings. Reddit

Depending on its location, there might be local restaurants or eateries nearby. Researching the surrounding area for dining options is a good idea. Reddit

Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside historical residences or museums. It's best to consume them outside the premises. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The illuminated night garden with lanterns is a highly recommended spot for photography. The inner garden and the historic architecture also offer great photo opportunities. Reddit

Photography rules inside historical buildings can be strict to protect artifacts. Look for signs or ask staff about restrictions on flash photography or interior shots. Reddit

For a unique perspective, the evening hours with the lanterns create a magical atmosphere. Daytime offers good light for the gardens and architecture. Reddit

Drone usage is typically prohibited at historical sites and cultural properties due to privacy and safety concerns. Always check the official regulations. Reddit

Professional photoshoots often require special permits and advance arrangements. Contact the Kikuya Residence administration to inquire about their policies. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Kikuya Residence is rich in history, its appeal for younger children might be more in the beautiful garden and the potential to spot wildlife like cats and badgers. Reddit The night garden with lanterns could also be a magical experience for kids. Consider focusing on the visual aspects of the exhibits and the tranquility of the garden. An English pamphlet is available to help older children follow along with the displays. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While reviews mention the Kikuya Residence might be a bit pricier than comparable museums, it's still a worthwhile visit for its unique offerings. Reddit To maximize value, prioritize the guided tours, especially if led by family descendants, as this provides in-depth historical context. Reddit Visiting during weekday mornings can offer a more peaceful experience without additional cost. Consider if the evening cafe experience fits your budget, as it's a highly recommended highlight. Reddit

❤️ Couples and Romantic Getaways

The night cafe and illuminated garden at Kikuya Residence offer a wonderfully romantic ambiance. Reddit Enjoying tea and sweets amidst the soft lantern light creates a memorable evening. The tranquil inner garden during the day also provides a peaceful setting for a shared experience. Reddit A guided tour, particularly one with personal stories from family descendants, can add a unique and engaging element to your visit together. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Kikuya Family Legacy

The Kikuya Residence is more than just an old building; it's a living testament to the history of the Kikuya family. Many visitors are particularly impressed by the opportunity to be guided by descendants of the family themselves. These personal tours offer unique insights and anecdotes that you won't find in standard guidebooks, bringing the past to life in a deeply personal way. Reddit

Among the most striking artifacts are a 17th-century cash box and a wall clock gifted by Ito Hirobumi, a prominent figure in Japanese history. These items not only showcase the family's historical significance but also provide a tangible connection to Japan's medieval and modern eras. The residence itself is described as one of the larger ones visited, offering a substantial glimpse into the lifestyle of its former inhabitants. Reddit

Understanding the family's history enriches the entire experience. It transforms a simple visit into an immersive journey through time, allowing you to appreciate the preservation efforts and the enduring legacy of the Kikuya lineage. The personal touch from family guides makes the historical narrative incredibly compelling. Reddit

Experiencing the Night Garden and Cafe

One of the most frequently praised aspects of the Kikuya Residence is its night cafe and illuminated garden. This offers a completely different, and often described as 'wonderful' or 'beautiful,' experience compared to a daytime visit. The soft glow of lanterns transforms the garden into a magical and serene setting, perfect for a relaxing evening. Reddit

Visitors rave about the delicious tea and sweets served at the cafe, making it an ideal spot to unwind after exploring the residence. The combination of the tranquil atmosphere, the gentle lighting, and the delightful refreshments creates a truly memorable experience. It's a chance to see the residence in a new light, quite literally, and enjoy its beauty in a more intimate way. Reddit

This evening experience is highly recommended for those looking for something unique. It provides a peaceful counterpoint to the historical exploration of the day and is often cited as a highlight of the visit, offering a wholesome and enchanting end to the day. Reddit

Navigating the Residence and Gardens

The Kikuya Residence is noted for its impressive architecture and lovely garden. While it might be considered slightly more expensive than other similar museums, the experience is generally well-regarded. An English pamphlet with numbered explanations is available, which helps visitors match exhibits with their descriptions, making self-guided exploration easier. Reddit

For those who enjoy nature, the inner garden is a particular draw. It's described as a peaceful space where visitors might even spot local wildlife like cats and badgers relaxing in the shade. This adds an element of natural charm to the historical setting, offering a moment of quiet observation. Reddit

While some visitors spent less than 30 minutes, others recommend taking more time to appreciate the details. The overall impression is that of a well-maintained historical site offering a blend of cultural exhibits and natural beauty, with the evening garden experience being a standout feature. Reddit

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