Chiba Family Magariya, Traditional farmhouse in Tono, Japan
Chiba Family Magariya is a traditional farmhouse with an L-shaped layout that combines living spaces, storage buildings, workshops, and a shrine. The structure displays the regional rural architecture with several interconnected sections.
Built in the early 19th century during the transition between Edo and Meiji periods, construction required ten years of local labor. This extended building phase reflects the considerable effort involved in creating such a significant rural structure.
The house shows rural life through tatami rooms with sliding screens and an open area that served as kitchen, passage, and horse stable entrance together. This layout reflects how families and animals shared the same living space.
The house is currently undergoing renovation and will reopen to visitors in 2025 for exploration of traditional Japanese rural architecture. Plan your visit accordingly as access remains limited until that time.
The structure combines living quarters and horse stables under one roof following the Nanbu Magariya style specific to the Tono region. This design allowed farmers to keep their animals close during harsh winters.
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