Utairai-za Ohara Hontei (Former Ohara Family Residence)

Overview

Utairai-za Ohara Hontei is a wealthy merchant's house located in the heart of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, built in the late Edo period. It was the residence of Ohara Kohshiro, the grandfather of Ohara Magosaburo, who founded Kurashiki Spinning Mill in the Meiji era. In 1971, the main house and 10 other structures on the grounds were designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. You can observe traditional architectural styles, including Kurashiki latticework and Kurashiki windows, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Ohara family. The grounds also feature exhibits showcasing the family's history and philosophy, as well as a serene Japanese garden perfect for a leisurely stroll. The Ohara family is known for its significant contributions to Kurashiki's economic and cultural development. The social contributions and economic philosophies of Magosaburo and Soichiro Ohara are connected to the lineage of rationality and thought that constitutes the "Akindo-michi" (merchant's way) deeply rooted in Kurashiki's merchant class. Utairai-za Ohara Hontei is more than just a museum; it's a place to engage with the Ohara family's way of life and philosophy, and to contemplate the future. Visit and experience the lifestyle of that era and the spirit of the Ohara family.