Image of Emperor Meiji at the Hokuchin Museum in Asahikawa, Hokkaido

Today is the birthday of Mutsuhito, Emperor Meiji, who was born this day in 1852. As emperor he and his government would oversee Japan’s transformation from a feudal to a modern state.

His birthplace was this unassuming little house on the Imperial Palace grounds in Kyoto. As giving birth was considered to “pollute” a dwelling, this small disposable house was erected for the act by his mother’s father. If you visit the palace this is in the outer park area near the north east side entrance hidden behind a wooden fence and mostly obscured by trees.

Nov. 3 is now celebrated as Culture Day in Japan and is a national holiday.