Kami-Haga Residence, Wood Wax Museum

Overview

The Kami-Haga Residence, Wood Wax Museum, stands as a symbol of Uchiko's thriving wood wax industry from the late Edo to Meiji periods. While the main family was known as Hon-Haga, this branch, Kami-Haga, played a central role in establishing and developing Uchiko's wood wax production. They built their current location in Bunkyu 1 (1861). The Kami-Haga Residence was completed in Meiji 27 (1894), during the peak of Uchiko's wax production. The residence remarkably preserves its original wood wax production facilities, including a boiler room (kamaba), storehouse (dettenkura), and storage sheds (monoki), offering a glimpse into the daily life and relationship between local industry and housing. The main house exudes the grandeur of a wealthy merchant's residence, allowing visitors to experience the lifestyle and culture of the time. Attached buildings display the process of wood wax production, from cultivating the wax tree (haze no ki) to the finished product, providing insights into the prosperity of the wood wax industry and the lives of the local people. Designated an Important Cultural Property, the Kami-Haga Residence is a treasured national asset. When visiting, take your time and imagine the life of the people who lived there. In addition to the Kami-Haga Residence, Uchiko boasts many other historical buildings such as the History and Folklore Museum and the Uchiko-za theater. Exploring these sites offers a deeper understanding of Uchiko's rich history and culture. We invite you to visit Uchiko and immerse yourself in its history and culture.