The Yoshijima Residence was built in 1875 (Meiji 8) after a great fire, serving as the home of the Yoshijima family, wealthy merchants in Takayama who were involved in the sake brewing business. Both the construction in 1875 and the reconstruction in 1905 (Meiji 38) were overseen by Nishimura Isaburo, a master carpenter following in the tradition of Mizuma Sagami Munetoshi. The tatami rooms were crafted by Uchiyama Shinzo from Kamitakara village.
The building measures approximately 26 meters in both width and depth, combining a two-story section (16.7 meters in length, 13.6 meters in width) and a one-story section (5.4 meters in length, 7.6 meters in width). The doji (earth floor) and oe (kitchen) areas feature a long, open ceiling that extends to the roof, showcasing a beautifully designed latticework of beams and posts. The main tatami room and the Buddhist altar room are in the shoin-zukuri style, while the tea room and toilet are in the sukiya-zukuri style.
The Yoshijima Residence is a precious cultural property where the beauty of Hida's traditional architectural style and glimpses into the life of that era can be experienced. Be sure to visit when you are in Takayama.
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