Former Residence of the Irie Family
This house was built in 1785 as the home and commercial premises of the Irie family, who ran one of the many businesses that dealt in locally harvested salt, an important commodity during the Edo period (1603–1867). This venture gave the family a great deal of power and influence, which is reflected in the size and grand architecture of the residence.
The site covers 1,436 square meters; the house is built on a north-south orientation. The main living quarters have three rooms that could be opened up into one large room for events and other gatherings. The small room to the right would have served as a waiting room for guests. The high doorways were designed to allow flags and banners to be brought into the house. In 1828, an extension was added to the house that is believed to have been used by the master of the house following his retirement.
The residence’s garden was designed as a karesansui dry landscape garden. Such gardens, which were popular at the time, arose from the Zen tradition, and created miniature landscapes from rocks and gravel.
Since the family donated the house to the city, the structure has been undergoing extensive repairs for its preservation. Work should be completed in 2027.