Sakai Municipal Machiya History Museum, Yamaguchi Family Residence

Overview

The Sakai Municipal Machiya History Museum, Yamaguchi Family Residence, is an early Edo period townhouse designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It is said to have been built immediately after the city was burned to the ground during the Siege of Osaka in 1615 (Keicho 20), making it an extremely rare and precious example of an early Edo period townhouse. A map of Sakai from 1689 (Genroku 2) shows the Yamaguchi family's business name, "Echizen-ya," indicating the location of the property. Further additions were made, including the south entrance and west storehouse in 1775 (An'ei 4), and the north storehouse in 1800 (Kansei 12), resulting in the current layout. A magnificent space is created by the large beams supporting the expansive earthen floor. The garden, centered around a large wax tree approximately 200 years old, offers beautiful autumn foliage. It has been open to the public as the "Machiya History Museum, Yamaguchi Family Residence" since 2009 (Heisei 21). A visit to the Yamaguchi Family Residence offers a tangible connection to the lives and culture of Sakai's people in those times. It is also a valuable place to learn about the history and culture of Sakai. Be sure to visit!