中家住宅, Important Cultural Property in Kumatori, Japan
The Naka Family Residence is a building of historical importance in Kumatori, featuring a spacious earthen floor entrance and a traditional thatched roof with ceramic tile edging along its perimeter. The structure displays carefully crafted details characteristic of early Edo period construction techniques.
Built during the early Edo period, the residence later received a visit from Emperor Go-Shirakawa during his pilgrimage to Kumano. This significant visit prompted the construction of a ceremonial gate that reflected the home's importance at the time.
The residence displays architectural features typical of the Senshu region, with a distinctive three-room layout that shaped how families organized their daily lives. Visitors can observe how this design influenced the way people moved through and used their homes.
The residence can be visited during operating hours, though conditions may vary depending on the season and special events. It is helpful to check in advance whether the grounds are accessible and which areas are available to visitors.
In the 1700s, the family conducted early electrical experiments on the grounds that mirrored Benjamin Franklin's kite experiment, using a pine tree from the property. This unusual experiment shows how scientific curiosity reached even rural areas of Japan.
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