Home of Village Head Kōzaka Gorōuemon
This was the home of Kōzaka Gorōuemon (dates unknown), who lived during the Edo period (1603–1867). As village head of Kita-Kinomoto, Gorōuemon oversaw local affairs on behalf of the regional governor and mediated disputes between villagers.
This house was built in 1847. At the time, strict sumptuary laws prevented non-samurai from owning houses that stood taller than 7.2 meters or had more than two floors. Such restrictions prevented wealthy merchants from building large, impressive houses which might outshine their social betters, the samurai.
Home of Village Head Takemoto Sukeroku
This was the home of Takemoto Sukeroku (dates unknown), an Edo-period (1603–1867) village head in charge of administration on behalf of the governor. Notice the fire walls that project from the eaves at each end of the second-floor roof. These fire walls helped to prevent the spread of fire from neighboring buildings. Their size and decoration displayed the owner’s wealth. Structures equipped with fire walls can be seen throughout Kinomoto-juku.