Former Kosaka Family Residence, Historic house in Seta, Japan.
The Former Kosaka Family Residence is a dwelling built with traditional Japanese elements arranged around a central garden and connected by wooden corridors. The structure combines classic Japanese spatial concepts with some Western influences of that era.
The residence was built in 1938 by the Shimizu Corporation for Junzō Kosaka and reflects the building style that prevailed among Japan's affluent circles at that time. This construction arose during a period of significant change in Japanese architecture and society.
The rooms with tatami mats and sliding doors reveal how affluent Japanese families lived during this period. The tea rooms and their design offer insight into the daily routines and aesthetic preferences of the household.
Visitors should prepare for uneven floors and low doorways, as the house was designed for the physical proportions of its era. It helps to wear comfortable shoes and check ahead which areas are accessible to tour.
The residence preserves original light fixtures and hand-carved wooden panels from 1938 decorated with seasonal motifs. These artisanal details are often overlooked, yet they show how much attention was paid to smaller decorative elements.
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