Former Mikami Family Residence, Historic merchant residence in Miyazu, Japan
The Former Mikami Family Residence is a merchant house in Miyazu that displays traditional Japanese architecture with whitewashed clay walls, tatami mat flooring, and finely crafted wooden sliding doors throughout. The room layout, construction techniques, and overall design provide insight into how prosperous merchants lived during that period.
The residence was built in 1776 and rebuilt in 1783 following a fire. The family operated a sake brewery, thread manufacturing business, and a cargo shipping enterprise from this location, reflecting the diverse commercial activities of wealthy families.
The house displays two distinct entrance paths that reflect social hierarchy from the Edo period: one for everyday visitors and another reserved for distinguished guests. This physical separation shows how important social status was in wealthy merchant households of that time.
The best time to visit is in the morning when visitor numbers are lower and you can explore the rooms at your own pace. The house is located in an accessible area and the pathways are flat and easy to navigate, making it comfortable for visitors of all abilities.
The garden features a pond with about 30 turtles, including two larger ones named after the family founder that respond to hand clapping. These tame turtles are a surprising element of the visit that many guests only discover while walking around.
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