Former Nishikawa Residence, Traditional merchant house in Ōmihachiman, Japan.
The Nishikawa Residence is an 18th-century timber building with tatami mats, sliding doors, and an open hearth at its center. The rooms are arranged around a central area, displaying the typical layout of a wealthy merchant house from that era.
The house was built in 1706 during the Edo period, when the Nishikawa family prospered through trade in mosquito nets and tatami mat trim. This era shaped the building's style and layout as a reflection of commercial success.
The house reveals how prosperous merchants lived and conducted business in this region. The rooms with their sliding doors and hearth fire show the daily routines and habits of the family.
The best time to visit is Tuesday through Sunday when the house is open to the public. The rooms are small and closely connected, so move slowly and watch where you step.
The house features a clever rope system at floor level that allowed doors to be pulled up and hoisted. This practical detail shows how craftspeople of that time combined space and function in ingenious ways.
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