旧上田家住宅

Stepping back in time, imagine the year 1776. This is where the story of the Kyuueda Residence, or 旧上田家住宅 as it’s known locally, begins. A samurai named Ueda 兵衛 decided to establish his family’s presence right here. He built a home on this very spot in Mukomachi, Kyoto. The Ueda family prospered as merchants. They were involved in sake brewing, shipping, and even ran an exchange business. This made them prominent figures within the bustling merchant community of Mukomachi. Tragedy struck in 1783. The Great Fire of Mukomachi ravaged the town, consuming the Ueda residence. Undeterred, the family rebuilt their main house. Remarkably, the reconstruction was completed by December of the same year. The new house boasted beautiful plastered walls, a testament to their resilience. Learning from the devastating fire, they incorporated fire-resistant features. The entire residence was designed with an earthen-storehouse-style structure. Over time, the Kyuueda Residence continued to evolve, reflecting the family’s growth. They made additions and renovations, expanding the house and adding a new storehouse in 1820. Another storehouse followed in 1837. When an imperial envoy visited in 1838, they even added a front gate and a reception room in anticipation. Years later, during the Bakumatsu period in 1868, the residence served as the headquarters for Prince Arisugawa Taruhito. He was the commander-in-chief of the imperial forces. The Ueda family also continued their sake brewing tradition, crafting sake under brand names like “Miyako-komachi” and “Otenhashi.” This continued until 1975. Today, the site is also home to the Fukuroya Sake Brewery, established in the Edo period. It’s been run by the Endoroya family for 11 generations. The Kyuueda Residence is a living testament to history. It showcases the architectural style of a traditional merchant’s home near the capital. The main house and surrounding buildings offer a glimpse into the lives of those who resided here centuries ago. Today, the residence welcomes visitors. Here, you can imagine the bustle of merchants, the aroma of sake brewing, and the echoes of samurai footsteps. The Kyuueda Residence stands as a cultural treasure. It’s a must-see for anyone seeking to connect with the rich history of Kyoto.