Old Tanaka Family Residence

Overview

The Old Tanaka Family Residence is a Machiya (traditional townhouse) located in Motomachi, Kawagoe City, built in the late Edo period. Designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan, it's known as a representative historical building in Kawagoe's cityscape. The substantial building, with its thatched roof and clay-walled storehouses, offers a glimpse into the lives of people in that era. The interior exhibits showcase their daily life, revealing the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people of that time. For example, the earthen floor (doma) served as a kitchen and workspace, while the irori (sunken hearth) provided heating and cooking. The second floor housed the family's sleeping quarters and guest rooms. A visit to the Old Tanaka Family Residence offers a fascinating look into the life of Kawagoe in the Edo period. Be sure to stop by when exploring Kawagoe's charming streets.