Historic house of Inoh Tadataka, Historic residence from Edo period in Sawara, Japan
The house of Inoh Tadataka is an Edo-period residential compound featuring several buildings: a shop-style storehouse, main gate, kitchen, study room, and an earthen-walled storage building along the Ono River. The structures exemplify traditional Japanese timber construction and the layout of a prosperous merchant household.
The residence was built during the Edo period, when Inoh Tadataka lived there for several decades as a merchant before relocating to Edo in 1794. His move to the capital marked a turning point that eventually led him toward his later cartographic endeavors.
The residence reveals how successful merchants organized daily life during the late Edo period, blending family quarters with commercial space in a single compound. Walking through the rooms shows how business and domestic routines were integrated into the household rhythm.
The compound sits roughly 15 minutes on foot from Sawara Station, making it straightforward to reach. Access is available daily except during the New Year holiday period when it closes.
The nearby Toyo Bridge is recognized for its distinctive water sounds, designated as one of Japan's 100 premier soundscapes. Stone landing steps near the bridge also serve as departure points for river tours.
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