“A half-timbered farmhouse in the middle of Japan?” you might ask. Here we are at the Treasure City History and Folklore Museum Old Wakida Family Residence. This is not just any old house. It is a window into the past.
The Treasure City History and Folklore Museum Old Wakida Family Residence is one of the oldest houses still standing in Takarazuka. It was built around 300 years ago during the Edo period. This makes it a significant piece of local history.
Originally, the Treasure City History and Folklore Museum Old Wakida Family Residence was the home of the Wakida family. They served as village headmen in the old Maitanicho village. Their house reflects their important status. It is built in the “Tsumairi” style, common in the Settsu and Tanba regions. The roof is covered with heavy Honkawara tiles. The house features a unique layout. It combines six rooms arranged in a three-room by two-room pattern with a “Kakoya” or corner room.
Inside the Treasure City History and Folklore Museum Old Wakida Family Residence, you will notice the “Haya,” “Nando,” “Chanoma,” and “Ita no Ma.” These rooms are separated by raised floors about 20 centimeters high. This design is called “Nando Gamae.” It shows the distinct styles of the Edo period.
The Treasure City History and Folklore Museum Old Wakida Family Residence suffered damage in the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995. It was carefully restored to preserve this valuable piece of heritage. In April 1996, the city designated it as a Tangible Cultural Property. Later, in November 1996, the Wakida family donated the house to Takarazuka City. It opened as a museum in July 1999.
When you explore the Treasure City History and Folklore Museum Old Wakida Family Residence, imagine life in the Edo period. See the “Kakoya Zashiki,” designed for entertaining guests. Consider the “raised floor,” symbolizing social status. Think about the people who lived and worked here, their bedrooms under the eaves. The museum also displays artifacts that evoke different eras. There is an organ from the Taisho period. Also, there are weapons and writing tools.
If you wish, our guides can provide detailed explanations about the Treasure City History and Folklore Museum Old Wakida Family Residence. They offer insights into the exhibits and the surrounding area. Feel free to ask them any questions.
The Wakida family, former owners of the Treasure City History and Folklore Museum Old Wakida Family Residence, were village headmen for generations. Many old documents reveal their activities. These documents are valuable records of village life during the Edo period. A portion of these documents are exhibited at the museum. The Treasure City History and Folklore Museum Old Wakida Family Residence offers school programs. These programs allow children to learn about local history. Through guided tours and hands-on experiences, students explore the past. They gain a deeper understanding of life in earlier times.