Former Edogawa Rampo Residence

In short

The Former Edogawa Rampo Residence is the house where mystery writer Edogawa Rampo lived from 1934 (Showa 9) until his death in 1965 (Showa 40). Today, it is located within the Ikebukuro Campus of Rikkyo University, preserved and opened to the public by the university. The earthen storehouse (kura) used as a book depository is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Toshima Ward.

• ​The Earthen Storehouse Known as "Gen'ei-jo" (Phantom Castle)​​: A two-story storehouse and study, where the state of the bookshelves inside can be viewed from in front of the door.
• ​The Reception Room​​: A room with high ceilings that receives soft sunlight.
• ​Rampo's Final Home​​: The house where Rampo spent the latter half of his life, having moved through 26 residences in Tokyo.

History and Highlights

The ​Former Edogawa Rampo Residence​ is the house where mystery writer Edogawa Rampo spent the second half of his life. Rampo's real name was Hirai Taro, and he was born in Mie Prefecture in 1894 (Meiji 27). He made his debut in 1923 (Taisho 12) with "The Two-Sen Copper Coin" in the magazine Shin Seinen, and from 1936 (Showa 11), he serialized "The Fiend with Twenty Faces" in magazines for boys.

Rampo was an author who moved frequently. His residences in Tokyo totaled 26 places, and this house was the 26th. In July 1934, he moved into this rented house with an earthen storehouse, located at what was then Ikebukuro 3-chome, Toshima Ward. The residence was originally built as a second home for a person from Osaka and later became a rental property, before becoming Rampo's own property in 1952 (Showa 27). Rikkyo University was situated right nearby. Although Rampo considered moving at times along the way, he lived in this location until he passed away in 1965.

In 2002, the house, book collection, and materials were transferred to Rikkyo University. In 2003, the earthen storehouse was designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Toshima Ward, and in 2006, the Rikkyo University Edogawa Rampo Memorial Center for Popular Culture Studies was established. Subsequently, the main house and the Western-style building where Rampo lived were renovated, and public viewings began in their renewed form on May 19, 2025.

Viewing and Experience Points

• ​The Earthen Storehouse Known as "Gen'ei-jo"​​: The two-story earthen storehouse standing next to the house is a book depository and study known as "Gen'ei-jo." To keep the interior in good condition, viewing is done from in front of the door, but the appearance of the bookshelves inside can be seen. Preserving an entire book collection together with its depository is said to be extremely rare.
• ​The Reception Room​​: A reception room with high ceilings where soft sunlight enters. In the 2025 renovations, an exhibition space recreating the lifestyle of the era was also created within the residence.
• ​Rampo's Book Collection​​: Rampo was a bibliophile who rarely parted with books. Around 13,000 Japanese books (including translations), 2,600 Western books, and about 5,500 magazines remain. He was a collector not only of mystery novels, but also of historical materials from the Edo period (early modern era).

Walking Tips

The Former Edogawa Rampo Residence is located within the Ikebukuro Campus of Rikkyo University. It is about a 7-minute walk from the West Exit of Ikebukuro Station to the main gate of the university. Because it is only open to the public on designated days of the week, check the open days via information from the Rikkyo University Edogawa Rampo Memorial Center for Popular Culture Studies before heading out. With structures like the red-brick Main Building lining the campus, you can visit in conjunction with a stroll around Rikkyo University.