Village in Japan

1. Suzuki house

Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture
This UMAYADO（an inn for horse traders）was built around the early 19th century in a post town in Fukushima Prefecture.
The UMAYADO was used by the horse dealers while traveling to auction with their horses.
The horses were kept in the earthen floored portion of the inn, and the horse dealers stayed on the second floor. The more wealthy horse dealers probably stayed in the guest rooms at the rear of the house.

2. Ioka house

Nara City, Nara Prefecture
This merchant's house, built between late 17th century and early 18th century, was originally located in Nara City, Nara Prefecture.
The house served for several generations as a shop selling lamp oil before it became an incense shop. The tiled roof, plaster walls, lattice work to the left of the raised main door and the folding veranda are typical of the merchant's house of the period.

3. Saji gate

Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
This is the gate of a Samurai's residence built in an early stage of 19th century. It was located in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture.
The Samurai warriors ruled the common people during Japanese feudal period. As a symbol of authority they could have their residence furnished with a special gate which the common people were forbidden to have.
The building beside the gate was used as a waiting place for retainers of the visitor.

4. Misawa house

Ina City, Nagano Prefecture
This house was built around the middle of the 19th century in a post town in Nagano Prefecture.
It was the residence of the KUMIGASHIRA（assistant to the village chief）for several generations, and it also served as a pharmacy. The structure is quite sound and traditional, with touch of local influence evident in the stone-laid shingle roof.

Posted in: Japan Open-Air Folk House Museum