奥田家住宅

Stepping back in time, let’s journey to the heart of rural Japan. We stand before the Okudake Residence, a captivating window into the Edo period. The Okudake Residence isn’t just a house. It’s a story etched in wood and tile, whispering tales of a prominent family. The Okudas, influential figures in the village of Kurazukuri, held the responsibility of managing the local farmsteads. Their reach extended beyond their own land, overseeing ten neighboring villages. The Okudake Residence, with its sprawling 3,300 square meters, reflects their status. The main house, the impressive front gate, and the storehouses stand as silent witnesses to their prosperity. Even the shogun’s culinary adventures intertwine with this place. During his grand procession, Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan, is said to have stopped at the Okudake Residence for a meal. This simple act connects the residence to the highest levels of power in Edo-era Japan. The Okudake Residence is more than a relic of the past. It’s a living testament to the architectural ingenuity of the Edo period. The main house, with its irimoya-zukuri style and thatched roof, is a masterpiece of design. The front gate, also crafted in the traditional kirizuma-zukuri style, adds to the grandeur. In 1969, the Japanese government recognized the historical significance of the Okudake Residence. The main house, the front gate, a drying shed, an old storehouse, a warehouse, and two rice storehouses were designated as Important Cultural Properties. These structures are not mere buildings. They’re tangible links to a bygone era. They offer a rare glimpse into the lives and traditions of a powerful family in rural Japan. The Okudake Residence is a testament to their enduring legacy.