Guide
The Takakusa-ke Residence (formerly the Yakage Waki-honjin Takakusa-ke Residence) is a historic architectural site located in Yakage Town, Okayama Prefecture. The Takakusa family, once known as "O-Takakusa," was a prominent lineage that managed local finance and held influential positions such as the Kakeya of the Niwase Clan and the Daisho-ya of the Oda District. The estate covers an area of approximately 2,000 m² (600 tsubo), boasting a scale second only to the Honjin in the Yakage-shuku post station. This residence is designated as a National Important Cultural Property, featuring a distinctive architectural style with white walls and traditional roof tiles.
This site served as a "Waki-honjin" (secondary post station), a role that supported the primary Honjin in the Edo-period post station of Yakage-shuku. The Takakusa family played a vital role in the region's economy and administration. A truly remarkable feature is that Yakage is the only place in Japan where both the Honjin and the Waki-honjin have preserved their original forms and are both designated as National Important Cultural Properties. This makes it a highly rare and significant site that symbolizes the culture of Japanese post stations.
The estate consists of several buildings, including the main residence. Specifically, a total of nine structures—including the Kura-zashiki (storehouse-style room), Uchikura (inner storehouse), Okura (large storehouse), Nakakura (middle storehouse), and Monokura (gate storehouse)—are designated as National Important Cultural Properties. The architecture preserves the traditional styles of southern Bitchu, featuring structures like the Yakuimon gate transferred from the Yakage Jinya and the Kura-zashiki, which features a storehouse-style interior used as a formal reception room. These structures serve as essential historical records of the architectural techniques and lifestyles of the era.
The Takakusa-ke Residence is open only on Saturdays and Sundays. The opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Regardless of the season, visitors can appreciate the structural beauty of the historic buildings and the elegant white walls. Please note that opening days may change; it is highly recommended to check the latest information before your visit.
Visitors can observe the architectural scale of an Edo-period Waki-honjin and the former residence of a wealthy merchant family. You can explore the various structures, such as the storehouses and gates, within a serene and quiet environment, gaining a deep sense of historical atmosphere.
The residence is located within the historic Yakage-shuku area of Okayama. The surrounding neighborhood is dotted with other historical buildings and the Honjin, allowing you to wander through a townscape that feels frozen in time. The site is within walking distance from Ihara Railway's Yakage Station, making it easy to explore the local historical sites on foot.
As this is a protected historical site, please be mindful of your footing and the structural integrity of the buildings. Since the opening days are limited, please confirm your schedule in advance. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for exploring the grounds.