Former Yamauchi Residence, House museum and Important Cultural Property in Kōchi, Japan.
The residence in Kōchi is a 19th century dwelling with traditional Japanese features like tatami mats, sliding doors, and a layout that connects both personal spaces and reception areas. The structure combines elements from different house types, reflecting the status of its original inhabitants.
The house was built in 1866 when Japan was going through the transition from the Edo to the Meiji period, a time of major change. The Yamauchi family held significant power in local governance and regional affairs during this turbulent era.
The residence shows how the family organized daily life, with separate areas for different household tasks and receiving visitors. The room arrangement reveals how important structure and distance between private and public spaces were for family living.
Visiting early in the morning works best when natural light fills the rooms and there are fewer other visitors present. Wear shoes that slip on and off easily, since you will remove them when entering tatami areas and put them back on when moving to other sections.
The building shows an unusual blend of two different building styles that do not normally appear together, revealing how Japanese architecture could adapt during that era. This uncommon combination makes it an especially valuable example for understanding home design during the country's rapid modernization.
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