Takabayashi Residence

Overview

The Takabayashi Residence belonged to a prominent family who served as *Oshoya*, managing 11 out of 33 villages under the Shimizu family, one of the three prestigious branches of the Tokugawa shogunate in Izumi Province. Located south of the Gobyosan Kofun (tumulus), the property, enclosed by white-plastered earthen walls, includes a main residence, storehouses, a Fudo-do, and an Inari shrine, preserving the scale and grandeur of a *Shoya* residence of that era. The main residence features a gable roof with thatched roofing, a style characteristic of many traditional houses once common in Osaka Prefecture and northern Nara Prefecture. Approximately half of the interior is a dirt floor (*doma*), with large beams creating a spacious and impressive atmosphere. Conservation and repair work conducted from 1977 to 1979 revealed that while the original roof structure during the Tensho era (1573-1592) was a hip-and-gable roof, later additions and renovations, including tatami rooms and a formal entrance, were completed by the end of the 18th century, resulting in its present form. Designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, the Takabayashi Residence offers a valuable opportunity to glimpse into the daily life and culture of a *Shoya* household during the Edo period. While the grounds are not open to the public, the exterior is freely viewable. Take a leisurely stroll and experience a touch of history.