Kusanagi House

Overview

Kusanagi House, located near Lake Tazawako in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, is a thatched-roof *magariya* farmhouse built in 1831 (Tempo 2). Designated as a Nationally Important Cultural Property, it's a valuable historical building and a prime example of traditional farmhouse architecture in the Semboku region. The Kusanagi family boasts a distinguished lineage, tracing their ancestry back to Minamoto no Yoshiie, and are said to be one of the three main branches of the family granted the name "Kusanagi." This house stands as a precious testament to the lifestyle of wealthy farmers of that era. The L-shaped *magariya* features a thatched roof, earthen walls, and wooden construction, preserving the traditional architectural style of the time. The interior, including the earth floor, kitchen, and tatami rooms, remains largely intact, allowing visitors to imagine the daily lives of the family. Please remember that the house is still inhabited. When visiting, please be respectful and mindful of the residents.