Former Kawahara Family Residence, Sakura Samurai Residence

Overview

The former Kawahara family residence is considered the oldest surviving samurai residence in Sakura's castle town and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Built in the late Edo period, this residence was home to the Kawahara family, samurai retainers of the Sakura Domain, and provides a window into their lifestyle and culture. Inside, you'll find furnishings and artifacts that offer insight into daily life. The beautiful shoin-zukuri style architecture and period tools are particularly noteworthy. The grounds also retain earthen ramparts (dorui) and hedges (ikagaki), allowing you to experience the atmosphere of a bygone castle town. These ramparts were defensive structures, while the hedges marked property boundaries. These remains provide invaluable insight into the lives and social structure of the samurai. Located near Sakura Castle Park, a visit to both sites is highly recommended. Sakura Castle Park occupies the former site of Sakura Castle, the residence of the Sakura Domain, and is now a vast and well-maintained park. Remaining structures, like the castle's base (tenshu-dai) and moats (mizubori), offer clues to its original design. Exploring the former Kawahara family residence and Sakura Castle Park will deepen your understanding of the history and culture of Sakura's castle town.