Former Residence of Kihara Family

Completion year

1665

Address

1046-1 Takayacho Shiraichi, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima（Google Map）

It is a representative machiya (townhouse) architecture of Hakuchi, where the old townscape still remains. The Kihara family, which had samurai ancestry, were known as a wealthy merchants in the Edo period, and were engaged in salt manufacturing and sake brewing.
It is a large building that well represents the characteristics of machiya architecture of the early Edo period. It has a large frontage along the main street. At its front, to the right is an entrance and earthen floor, and to the left is the store and tatami room. The living space is in the back, and earthen floor connects the front to the back. The entrance has a large door, and a lattice door is placed on the front side of the store. This is one of the oldest and most valuable machiya buildings in Japan. It has been restored to its original appearance and is now open to the public.
[National Important Cultural Property]