Guide
The Saeki-ke Residence, located in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, is a quintessential example of a grand residence belonging to a wealthy farmer from the mid-Edo period. Designated as a National Important Cultural Property, it serves as a precious site for observing traditional Japanese architectural styles. The residence has a unique history: construction began in 1767 (Meiwa 4), and the structure was moved to its current location after being purchased from a person named 'Sannosuke' in the former Kawasaki Village of Nanto City. The original residence belonged to a family serving as the 'Tokumura-yaku' (village headman) of the Kaga Domain, and it carries a history that predates its relocation.
The history of this architecture dates back to the mid-18th century. The current form was created by relocating and expanding a house from the former Kawasaki Village, located approximately 15 km southwest. The building features an 'Irimoya-zukuri' (hip-and-gable) roof style with a 'Hirairi' (side-entry) structure. The scale is impressive, with a length of approximately 18.2 meters (10 ken) and a width of 12.7 meters (7 ken), set within a vast eastern-facing estate. Over time, the residence underwent three major expansions, adding sections like the 'oroshi' and 'shokujiba' to the rear of the main house, reflecting how the building's functions evolved alongside changes in local life and regional development.
The most striking feature is the main house with its massive thatched roof (kayabuki). You can see the pillars, beams, and the central sunken hearth (irori) that once served as the heart of daily life in an Edo-period farmhouse. The rear of the building features a tiled roof section called 'oroshi,' providing a beautiful architectural contrast to the thatched main house. Additionally, the residence is surrounded by a 'yashiki-bayashi' (residential forest) on the north and southwest sides, creating a harmonious landscape between the architecture and nature. The site also includes gates, detached rooms, and storehouses, offering a three-dimensional view of a wealthy farmer's lifestyle.
While the primary draw is the historical architecture, the appearance of the thatched roof and the surrounding forest changes beautifully with the seasons. For the best experience in observing the intricate details and structural design, we recommend visiting during bright daylight hours. Please be aware that this facility operates on a reservation-only basis and has irregular closing days; it is essential to contact them in advance to confirm your visit schedule.
Visitors can visually learn about mid-Edo period architectural styles. By seeing the actual beams, pillars, and the sunken hearth used for daily tasks, you can move beyond textbook knowledge to truly feel the scale and ingenuity of traditional Japanese living spaces.
The Takaoka area is rich with other historical sites. You can combine your visit with other famous landmarks such as the Takaoka Daibutsu (Great Buddha) or the Aqua Forest (known as the Forest of Water) to create a comprehensive sightseeing plan through the history and nature of Toyama Prefecture.