Old Yamaguchi Family Residence

This building was created in 1615, immediately after the city was razed to the
ground during the Osaka Summer Campaign, and is one of the few remaining
early Edo period Machiya houses. It is a nationally designated important
cultural property, and a highly appealing facility where you can experience
the traditional Sakai lifestyle.

The main building here, the Yamaguchi residence, was created in 1615 immediately
after the city was razed to the ground during the Osaka Summer Campaign. As one
of the few remaining early Edo period (1603-1867) Machiya houses in Japan, it
became a nationally designated important cultural property in 1966.
During the Edo period Sakai developed centered in the manufacturing of guns,
knives, and textiles, maturing as a city of commerce. The region from
Nishikinochohigashi to Shinmeicho still retains the aspect of those times. This
residence is extremely precious even when considered on a national level,
imparting the atmosphere of a Sakai long past into the present day and
evoking the rich living of past.
While the entrance is currently on the south side, the grand map of Sakai from
1689 indicates that the east side used to be the frontage. There are three tatami
mat rooms facing onto the wide entryway, which also offers a wonderful view of
a spreading truss roof.
Further construction, including the storehouse in the west added in 1775 and the
one in the north in 1800, led to the current layout. There is also a garden on the
north side centered around a large wax tree more than 200 years old, and which
can be viewed from the main building.
Sakai buildings during the Edo period were known across the country for their
luxury, even leading to idioms in the Japanese language, and this building is one
remnant of that time. Tourism volunteer guides are also stationed inside.