Watanabe Family's Residence, Traditional kominka residence in Otaki, Japan
Watanabe Family's Residence is a traditional Japanese kominka-style house with a roof covered in thin cedar shingles held down by rounded stones. The structure displays characteristic wooden construction with multiple interior rooms arranged around central courtyards.
Built in 1849, this residence belonged to a wealthy merchant family during a period when such homes demonstrated power and prosperity. It has survived generations and remains an example of 19th-century domestic architecture in this region.
The residence displays how wealthy merchants lived, with dedicated spaces for Buddhist altars, formal reception areas, and storage rooms that reveal the family's social standing. These rooms show the daily routines and customs of the people who occupied this home.
The property sits within walking distance of the train station and is open daily, allowing visitors to explore an old residence from various angles. Wear comfortable shoes as you will navigate traditional rooms while discovering how the family lived across multiple areas.
The roof covering with thousands of stones follows a construction method that was widespread in houses along a nearby coast. This technique helped the structure withstand strong winds and harsh weather conditions common to the region.
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