Home of a Diplomat (former Uchida Family Residence)

The Home of a Diplomat was built in 1908 in the Nanpeidai area of Shibuya, Tokyo, as the residence of Sadatsuchi Uchida, a diplomat of the Meiji Government. The building was designed by American architect J.M. Gardiner and represents one of Japan's finest examples of American Victorian architecture from the early 20th century.

The residence was relocated and restored to the Yamate Italian Garden in 1997 and now stands as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Sadatsuchi Uchida served as the New York consul general, making this residence historically significant as the home of a key figure in Japan's diplomatic relations during the Meiji period. The building is a two-story wooden structure with a penthouse and features gorgeous decorations characteristic of the Victorian era.

Visitors can explore period rooms including the dining room, reception room, study, and bedrooms that showcase the living style of the Meiji period. The meticulously preserved interiors offer insight into how Japan's diplomatic elite lived during a crucial period of modernization and international engagement. The building includes a resting space with views overlooking the Yamate Italian Garden, providing visitors with both historical context and scenic beauty.

The residence sits within the Yamate Italian Garden, part of Yokohama's historic foreign quarter that developed during the city's opening to international trade. The Victorian-style building stands on a bluff overlooking Yokohama, offering commanding views of the port city below. The location itself tells the story of Japan's transformation during the Meiji Restoration and its engagement with Western powers.

Access is via a five-minute walk from JR Ishikawacho Station on the Keihin-Tohoku Line. The site is also accessible via a five-minute uphill walk from Ishikawacho Station's south exit via JR Negishi Line. Admission is free for both the house and gardens. The first floor is wheelchair accessible, though the second floor may be difficult to access. The residence can be visited alongside other historic Western-style buildings in the Yamate district, creating a comprehensive tour of Yokohama's international heritage.