Sanno Sosudo Memorial Hall
Discover the preserved home and legacy of Tokutomi Soho, a pivotal figure in Japanese journalism and history, with free admission.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Sanno Sosudo Memorial Hall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal attention
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the preserved home and legacy of Tokutomi Soho, a pivotal figure in Japanese journalism and history, with free admission.
"Free entry and detailed explanations make this a meaningful visit to learn about Tokutomi Soho's life."
Free Entry! :money_with_wings:
Admission to the Sanno Sosudo Memorial Hall is completely free, making it an accessible cultural experience.
Ask the Guide :speaking_head:
The staff inside the residence are very knowledgeable and offer detailed explanations. Don't hesitate to ask questions!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tokutomi Soho's Former Residence
Soho Park
Step into the preserved home of a prominent Japanese journalist and historian. Explore the rooms where he lived and worked.
Exhibition on Tokutomi Soho
Memorial Hall
Discover the life and legacy of Tokutomi Soho through documents and displays. Learn about his influential 'Early Modern Japanese National History'.
Soho Park Surroundings
Soho Park
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Soho Park, a pleasant green space surrounding the memorial. It's particularly beautiful during autumn.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission & Meaningful Insights
Accessibility Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry! :money_with_wings:
Admission to the Sanno Sosudo Memorial Hall is completely free, making it an accessible cultural experience.
Ask the Guide :speaking_head:
The staff inside the residence are very knowledgeable and offer detailed explanations. Don't hesitate to ask questions!
Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The memorial is located in Soho Park, which involves uphill walking. Comfortable footwear is recommended.
Combine with Ozaki Shiro :walking:
It's located near the Ozaki Shiro Memorial Museum, making it easy to visit both in one outing.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry! :money_with_wings:
Admission to the Sanno Sosudo Memorial Hall is completely free, making it an accessible cultural experience.
Ask the Guide :speaking_head:
The staff inside the residence are very knowledgeable and offer detailed explanations. Don't hesitate to ask questions!
Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The memorial is located in Soho Park, which involves uphill walking. Comfortable footwear is recommended.
Combine with Ozaki Shiro :walking:
It's located near the Ozaki Shiro Memorial Museum, making it easy to visit both in one outing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the free admission and the opportunity to learn about Tokutomi Soho from knowledgeable guides within his preserved former residence. The compact exhibition offers a meaningful glimpse into his life. However, the uphill walk within Soho Park to reach the memorial can be a challenge for some.
"It was located in Soho Park on the way up German Street towards Nishi-Oi!! ️There is Tokutomi Soho's residence, etc., and admission is free, and the person inside the residence gave us an explanation, so we were able to spend a meaningful time🎵🎵You have to climb up to get there from any direction, so it may be difficult for elderly people. You can't get there unless you go further up the park's inner and outer side roads from the park entrance. There is a disabled parking lot in the park, so we can take care of that 👏"
いくたたかこ
"Admission is free and you can learn about Tokutomi Soho, his relatives and associates. The exhibition is compact and only on the first floor (mostly reading material). The man at the museum was kind and gave a thorough explanation, so I was able to learn a lot about Tokutomi Soho."
キヨ
"This place was previously the residence of Tokutomi Soho, company housing for the Shizuoka Shimbun newspaper, and was purchased by Ota Ward.
Tokutomi Soho's Residence
I once heard that my mother was told by Soho, "I'll give you a tanzaku as a gift for your lively daughter," but she said, "No, I don't want it," because she wasn't interested.
Shizuoka Shimbun Company Housing
The house was a rundown wooden structure, but it was spacious. The windows had a nostalgic feel, with clear glass fixed to a wooden frame with white putty. When I was a child, there was a fat lady who was the caretaker, and she would always pick up fallen leaves with a broom and make a bonfire. The mother of the house next to ours often made a bonfire as well. In the past, bonfires were made everywhere, but it seems that bonfires are now prohibited. The grandfather of the house borrowed the concrete library at the back to store his books. Fallen leaves piled up about 1m high around the library. The leaves were moist all year round, and there were lots of insect larvae, so it was an interesting place.
Ota Ward bought it
I've heard adults say that it would be a disaster if an apartment building was built in front of the house, but around the time I got married, Ota Ward took over the management of the house, and the house was preserved inside the building, leaving only the entrance and part of the study. The undergrowth was often cut and the layer of fallen leaves was cleaned up, so the number of insects, butterflies, cicadas, and turtles has drastically decreased. One thing in particular that we haven't seen recently is the Japanese rat snake. I think it's helpful that the Japanese rat snake is there because it preys on crow chicks. The ward also cleans up the fallen leaves that fall on the side of the house, so it's helpful.
I was just talking to myself."
とaさ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The memorial hall is located in Soho Park. From any direction, you'll need to walk uphill within the park. There is a disabled parking lot available within the park.
While specific station details aren't provided, the reviews mention it's a walk from German Street towards Nishi-Oi, suggesting nearby public transport options. It's advisable to check local transit maps for the closest stations.
Reviews indicate that you need to go further up the park's inner and outer side roads from the park entrance to reach the memorial.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Sanno Sosudo Memorial Hall is completely free.
Specific opening hours are not detailed in the provided information, but it's generally recommended to visit during daylight hours. Checking local listings or the Ota Ward website might provide more precise times.
As admission is free, advance booking is not required. You can visit anytime during their operating hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the preserved second floor of Tokutomi Soho's former residence and an exhibition room with documents detailing his life and work.
The person inside the residence often provides explanations, and guides give detailed insights into Tokutomi Soho's life and family.
The exhibition is described as compact, primarily on the first floor, and mostly consists of reading material.
The uphill walk within Soho Park might be challenging for elderly individuals. However, there is disabled parking available in the park.
Tokutomi Soho was a key figure in modern Japanese journalism and is known for his 100-volume 'Early Modern Japanese National History'.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies are not explicitly mentioned, but it's generally advisable to check for signage or ask staff before taking pictures inside historical residences and exhibition spaces.
The preserved residence itself and the surrounding Soho Park, especially during autumn, offer picturesque views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining this visit with other more interactive attractions in the area if you have young children. The park itself offers some open space, which could be a brief respite. Ensure comfortable footwear for everyone, as the terrain can be uneven.
🚶 Solo Travelers & History Buffs
Take your time to absorb the information presented in the exhibition and explore the preserved residence. The compact nature of the displays means you can gain a good understanding without feeling overwhelmed. The peaceful setting of Soho Park also provides a nice environment for contemplation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Tokutomi Soho's Legacy
Visitors can explore the preserved rooms of his home, gaining insight into his living environment. The exhibition hall complements this by showcasing documents and materials related to his life, work, and the historical context in which he operated. The guides at the memorial are noted for their thorough explanations, enriching the visitor's understanding of Soho's contributions to Japanese history and media.
While his younger brother, Tokutomi Roka, is perhaps more widely known for his literary works, Soho's influence on historical scholarship and journalism was profound. The memorial hall serves as a vital space for appreciating his significant, though sometimes less publicly recognized, impact on modern Japan.
Navigating Soho Park and Accessibility
Fortunately, the park does provide a disabled parking lot, which can alleviate some of the accessibility concerns for visitors arriving by car. The memorial hall itself is primarily located on the first floor, making the exhibition and residence accessible once you reach it.
For those who enjoy nature, Soho Park is noted for its beauty, particularly during the autumn season when the foliage is vibrant. It's a pleasant area to explore after visiting the memorial, offering a chance to reflect on the historical significance of the site.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit