Ryozen Museum of History

The Ryozen Museum of History is a history museum in Higashiyama-ku spread across two floors, displaying thousands of historical documents and objects from Japan's period of political change. The collection is organized thematically in different rooms, allowing visitors to explore various aspects of this transformative era.

Founded in 1970, the museum focuses on a critical turning point in Japanese history when the country abandoned its feudal structure. The collected objects and documents show how this transition took place and who drove the changes.

The museum displays personal belongings of individuals who shaped Japan in the 1800s, showing how their lives and choices transformed the nation. Visitors can see letters, clothing, and everyday objects that reveal who these people actually were.

A visit works best with enough time to explore both floors and move through the different exhibition rooms at a comfortable pace. The rooms are clearly marked, and you can take your time to read the displays and understand the context of each section.

The museum contains a detailed model of a house that recreates one of the most dramatic moments of this era. This model allows visitors to visualize how a pivotal historical event actually unfolded in a specific space.

Location: Higashiyama-ku

Inception: 1970

Official opening: 1970

Address: 〒605-0861 京都府京都市東山区清閑寺霊山町１

Website: http://ryozen-museum.or.jp

GPS coordinates: 34.99906,135.78272

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:48