Former Nara Family Residence (Akita Prefectural Museum Branch)

Overview

The Former Nara Family Residence is the former home of a wealthy farmer from the mid-Edo period, located in Akita City, Akita Prefecture. This was the residence of the Nara family, one of the most prosperous farming families in Akita Prefecture. It is said to have taken three years and 70 kan of silver to build. The characteristic architectural style, known as "ryō-chūmon-zukuri," features the entrance portions extending outwards from both ends of the building. The left side of the front is the Zashiki-chūmon (upper chūmon), and the right side is the Maya-chūmon (lower chūmon). This architectural style is characteristic of farmhouses in the central coastal region of Akita Prefecture. In addition to the main house, the grounds include seven other buildings, such as storehouses and Japanese-style houses built from the Meiji to Taisho periods. In 2006, these buildings were registered as Tangible Cultural Properties. It's rare in the prefecture to find a residence where all buildings on the grounds are designated cultural properties. The Former Nara Family Residence is open to the public free of charge as a branch of the Akita Prefectural Museum. Visitors can catch a glimpse of the lifestyle of a wealthy farmer from that era and learn about the living styles and culture of the time. Furthermore, the Former Nara Family Residence is conveniently located with good access to Otogata and central Akita City, making it an ideal base for sightseeing.