If you are curious about how fancy a chief retainer’s residence in Iwate Prefecture was during the Edo period, visit the Former Numata Family Samurai Residence (旧沼田家武家住宅) in Ichinoseki. The Numata clan was the chief retainer of Ichinoseki Domain (一関藩). The residence was determined to be completed in the beginning of the 18th century. The Numata clan moved in in 1741 and renovated the house several times until the early 20th century. What is worthwhile to point out is, this ordinary-looking residence miraculously escaped from the fate of collapsing due to the repeated floods of the Iwai River (磐井川) nearby.
The Samurai Residence in Ichinoseki
The residence looks relatively simple compared to those in Kanazawa or Kakunodate, making visitors almost think it is a commoner’s house. But once you see the Shoin-tsukuri style room and the dry Japanese garden at the back, you will be convinced that the residence once belonged to a samurai family.
Samurai’s residence in Ichinoseki was constructed based on a commoner’s house style. Features specific to the samurai class were then added based on the owner’s rank.
The other reason that the residence wasn’t splendidly decorated was due to Ichinoseki Domain’s financial circumstances at the time.
What to Pay Attention to at the Former Numata Family Samurai Residence
While there aren’t many exhibits inside the building, items such as sword chests for storing swords also imply that samurais used to live there. You will also find the living utensils used in the late 19th century there.
What you can pay attention to as you stroll around the residence is the height of the floor in certain rooms. If a part of the floor is higher, only those of a higher social status could sit in that area. In the bedroom, the ceiling is low. The house was constructed this way so that if an assassin appeared, he could not swing a sword or spear properly.
If you understand Japanese, the staff can give you a tour around the residence. There is also a video of the restoration work.
Entry is free. So it is also a good spot to stop by while waiting for the next bullet train to your next destination!
The Former Numata Family Samurai Residence’s Opening Hours and Access Information
- The Former Numata Family Samurai Residence is open from:
- 9 am to 4 pm from April to October
- 10 am to 3 pm from November to March
- It closes on Mondays and from the end of December to the beginning of January
- If Monday is a public holiday, it will close on the next business day
- The confectionery maker is an 8-minute walk from JR Ichinoseki Station (一ノ関駅).
Discover Other Attractions in Ichinoseki
Ichinoseki is a city with a wealth of beautiful natural landscapes perfect for a weekend getaway from the big city’s hustle and bustle. So, let’s travel further away from Ichinoseki Station for a couple of spectacular spots await your discovery. You will also be amazed by the city’s unique mochi culture!
So refer to our Ichinoseki article to discover what more the city can offer!
