Ichinoe Nanushi Yashiki, Medieval estate in Haruechō, Japan.
The Ichinoe Nanushi Yashiki is an Edo-period manor house with an original thatched roof and traditional wooden construction. The building sits within a defensive moat system and is shaded by mature zelkova and ginkgo trees that once provided privacy from the surrounding fields.
The main building dates from the 1770s, when the Tajima family was actively developing agricultural infrastructure for rice cultivation in the region. This era marked a shift toward more organized farming practices that brought greater prosperity to landowners.
The estate reflects how prosperous farming families lived during the Edo period, with spaces arranged for both daily work and formal ceremonies. The layout shows the blend of practical needs and social status that shaped residential design of that era.
The site is open to visitors during set hours and is best explored during dry weather to navigate the grounds comfortably. Guided tours are available to help visitors understand the building techniques and layout of the residence.
The surrounding moat network survives in its original form, a rare preserved example of how landowners actually organized space during this period. Few rural estates from this era retain such intact defensive systems and boundaries.
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