Yagi's Residence, site of Mibu Camp, the birthplace of Shinsengumi — Local services in Kyoto

One of the most disappointing experience in Kyoto for me so far. We went there because we're interested in Japanese history, we had visited Mibu-dera and Teradaya to follow the trail of Sakamoto Ryoma and the shinsengumi. Eventually we came here since it's close to Mibu-dera. The place is unassuming and looks like a confectionery store at first. We then discovered a sign that advertised a guided tour of Yagi's residence. The sign was in English yet it said that the tour itself is only in Japanese. When we tried to buy tickets for the tour, the clerk again emphasised that the tour is only in Japanese. Before entering the actual residence we were greeted by a very unfriendly gentleman. He stopped suddenly in the middle of the way, crossed his arms in front of his chest and yelled "no photo" - while crossing his arms he almost hit my face. He could have politely pointed at the "no photo" sign next to him so I was surprised that he chose an aggressive gesture instead. After we were finally allowed to enter the place, the guide who conducted the actual tour once again made it very clear that there is no English guide available. We were the only foreigners and the guide deliberately avoided interacting with us and didn’t look at us. Overall, the information was interesting but there’s not much to see, the area that you're allowed to enter is very small. The garden is the most beautiful part of the residence but there's not much time to enjoy the place in your own pace. Unless you're a history geek it's probably not worth a visit. After the tour we were served matcha and a daifuku - the matcha was watery and of poor quality, the confection was pre-packed and mediocre. Neither the tour itself nor the tea justify the expensive entry fee, given the fact that non-Japanese visitors are a bit less welcome and treated awkwardly. I'd recommend to stop advertising the tour altogether if they don't want foreigners to participate or accept that fact that, even if you don't look Japanese there might be people who have a good understanding of Japanese history and language and simply want to enjoy the tour. Even handing out a printed leaflet in English would make the experience...

Here is one of the most important remnant of Shinsengumi, which was a group to keep safe for Kyoto area in 18th century.

Shinsengumi stayed here and to patrol in Kyoto. Shinsengumi leader, Kamo Serizawa, was killed in this house by other group members.

You need to buy a ticket to enter this house. Explanation by guides, Green tea and some snack is included in the ticket price.

If you like Shinsengumi story, here must be a...

新選組ファンなら言わずと知れた屯所です。しかも結成初期の新選組ゆかりの地とあって、なかなかマニア度は高いです。 が、拝観システム的には歴史好きにはまったく適さない、いわゆる気楽さを最大限台無しにしているものです。 多分この施設にわざわざ行く人って、コアなファンが多いと思うんですよね。 それこそガイド不要なくらいの知識量で、どちらかというと話を聞きに行くのではなく、当時の空気というか情緒を感じに行く人が多いと思うのです。 そこでこの歴史好きなら知ってるレベルの強制解説(座して2、30分)ですから、興がそがれるというか眠気との闘いです。 ちなみに建物自体にも見るべきところは少ないです。なにしろ普通の民家ですので。 それに値段も高い。参考・金閣寺¥500 清水寺¥500 京都御所¥0 西本願寺¥0...