The Dutch Slope

After Japan opened to trade in the 19th century, merchants were allowed to set up houses in designated areas. The Dutch slope is the first of these areas, but interestingly none of the buildings found on it are built by or for the Dutch. 

The slope is one of several areas designated to foreigners after the country opened to trade. These were akin to enclaves, as western laws were followed there and they functioned outside of the Japanese jurisdiction.

The slope is named after the Dutch because for a long time they were the only ones allowed in Japan, so much so that the word for westerner became synonymous with the word for Dutchman. As a result the first areas with a lot of foreigners became the Dutch slope. 

The slope contains several of the oldest western-style houses in Japan, including the old American consulate. Most buildings are open for the public on working days and weekends, but are sometimes rented for special events. 

The slope is famous due to its historical significance, but tends to be disappointing for most visitors, especially when compared to Glover Garden. So much so, that it was declared the top three of most disappointing sights in Japan by the Japanese.