Former Residence of the Toshima Family, Samurai residence in Yanagawa, Japan.
The Former Residence of the Toshima Family is a samurai dwelling in Yanagawa built with traditional Japanese architectural techniques. The structure features thatched roofs made from reeds and engineered water channels that run through the surrounding gardens and grounds.
The residence was constructed in 1828 as a retreat for clansman Kanetomo Yoshida. Multiple ownership changes occurred over the following decades until the city of Yanagawa received it as a donation in 2001.
The tea room displays bamboo design elements including pillars and a crescent-shaped window that reference classical Japanese aesthetic traditions. These details create an atmosphere where visitors can observe how educated samurai incorporated literary and philosophical concepts into their domestic spaces.
The residence is situated in the Ondo-machi area and is open daily except Tuesdays. Visitors should wear easy-to-remove footwear since shoes must be taken off before entering the traditional interior spaces.
The Zashiki guest room features a dedicated moon-viewing area with layered roofs constructed from reeds, wooden batten plates, and cryptomeria bark. This room reveals how samurai families designed specific spaces within their homes for seasonal aesthetic experiences.
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