Kyū Buke-ke Jūtaku (Former Buke Family Residence)

Overview

The Kyū Buke-ke Jūtaku is a building constructed during the late Edo period as the residence of a Sakura han samurai family. It's the smallest of the Sakura samurai residences, providing a fascinating look into the simple lives of lower-ranking samurai. Compared to other samurai houses in Sakura, it has fewer rooms and simpler construction, such as the lack of borders on the tatami mats. This reflects the differences in housing size and style based on samurai social class at the time. The building displays household goods and tools from the period, allowing visitors to imagine daily life then. Exhibits include irori (hearths), kamado (cooking stoves), tableware, and farming implements—a variety of items used by samurai in their daily lives. The displays also offer insights into the lifestyle, culture, and history of the samurai and Sakura castle town. The Kyū Buke-ke Jūtaku is a valuable historical site that provides a glimpse into the history and culture of Sakura's castle town. Be sure to visit when you're in Sakura!