Sumiya, old Kyoto

It is the finest example of Edo period ageya architecture. These ageya were the meeting places of famous men of art, literature and politics, along with banquets and parties attended by geisha and taiyu (premiere geshias). The Sumiya has been owned by the Nakagawa family for 13 generations, since 1641. Interesting observation, even though the samurai had to hand in all their weapons at the door, there's a slash in the wall where someone must have had a serious disagreement, or assassination...

Exterior view, you can see the lattice work on the windows and a glimpse of the scale of the place.

A courtyard garden, so beautiful, it feels like its inside the house and a perfect design despite the small scale.

Painted sliding doors