Watanabe Family Residence

Overview

The Watanabe Family Residence, located in Sodegaura City, Chiba Prefecture, is an Edo-period merchant's house registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. As one of the oldest surviving merchant houses in Chiba Prefecture, it offers a glimpse into the daily lives of merchants of that time. The Watanabe family once ran a kimono merchant business in this area. The building itself is a priceless artifact, conveying the lifestyle of the era. Its notable features include the preserved earthen floor (doma), wooden-floored rooms (ita-no-ma), and the inner drawing-room (oku-zashiki), all reflecting the living spaces of the time. The Watanabe Family Residence is a precious place where you can imagine the lives of Edo-period merchants and connect with history. The surrounding area also boasts numerous historical buildings and sites, making it ideal for historical exploration. When visiting Sodegaura City, be sure to visit the Watanabe Family Residence.