Ibaraki-ke Nakachushuban-ya (Ibaraki Family's Sub-Branch Office)

Overview

The Ibaraki-ke Nakachushuban-ya is one of the branch offices established by the Matsumae clan during the Edo period to develop Hokkaido and strengthen relations with the Ainu people. This branch office, a registered tangible cultural property of Japan, preserves a building from that era. The single-story wooden structure with a thatched roof is characteristic of Edo-period architecture. Inside, documents and artifacts from the clan's rule are on display, offering a glimpse into the daily life and trade of the time. Materials and artifacts related to Ainu culture are particularly valuable for understanding the lives and culture of the Ainu people. Furthermore, after the Meiji Restoration, this branch office was also used as a trading post between the Ainu people, freed from the Matsumae clan's rule, and Russia. Documents illustrating trade with Russia are also on display, providing valuable insights into international relations of that time. The Ibaraki-ke Nakachushuban-ya is a recommended spot not only for history buffs but also for those interested in Ainu culture and trade with Russia.