What other travelers are saying about Former Matsuzaka Family Residence, Takehara
The residence is a magnificent example of architecture with its wavy roof and on the second floor lacquered diamond shaped windows. The latticework is typical of a merchants house (closed Wednesdays, admission ¥300)
I didn’t understand any historical significance when we went thru it. But it was really great to be able to walk thru one of these properties!
The building is amazing. In particular, the roof is not straight but curves gently, hanging down, and the garden trees make it clear that it is a beautiful building even when seen from the outside.
However, I have never been inside, and I have always passed on it due to lack of time.
Even if I had time this time, it was closed for the New Year holidays.
It's a very large, old house.
It's said to have belonged to a salt field owner from the Edo period to the Showa period. It was renovated in 1879 (Meiji 12) and donated to the city in 1983 (Showa 58).
It's very spacious and quite large, so I imagine maintaining it must be quite a challenge.
I think it's worth seeing.
This is a designated important cultural property of the city.
You can see the craftsmanship of artisans in details such as the handles on the sliding doors.
There is no parking available. Please use the roadside station parking lot!
The residence is located in Takehara, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, within the Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. This historic area is known for its grand residences built by wealthy salt producers.
The residence was built in the early 19th century and later refurbished in 1879. The Matsuzaka Family operated businesses selling coal and firewood, and were involved in salt making and sake brewing, representing the successful merchants who emerged during the late Edo period in Takehara.
The residence offers a look at Japanese residences and gardens of wealthier families from the 19th century. Visitors can explore the traditional architecture and observe how prosperous merchant families lived during this historical period.
Combined ticket allowing entry to the residences of Matsuzaka, Mitsumoto and Morikawa as well as the history museum costs 600 yen. However, individual entry with discounts (such as JAF membership) may offer better value depending on which sites you want to visit.
The residence occasionally closes for special purposes, such as when it was closed for two weeks for film shooting. It is maintained as a historic site open to the public, with staff available to accept visitors and provide information about the property.
