Former Mikami Family Residence

In short

A merchant family home with its estate facing Kawaramachi Street in the castle town of Miyazu. During the Edo period, the Mikami family operated sake brewing, shipping, and yarn wholesaling businesses, standing as one of the prominent merchant families in the Miyazu castle town under the shop name "Mottoiya." In 2003 (Heisei 15), eight structures, including the main building, were designated as National Important Cultural Properties.

• ​Main Building Built to Withstand Fire​​: Rebuilt after the great fire of 1783 (Tenmei 3), the main building is characterized by its fireproof construction and its sumi-ogi-daruki, rafters laid out radially only at the corners of the eaves
• ​Parlors and the Prefectural Place of Scenic Beauty Garden​​: Lavishly built parlors and a garden designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty of Kyoto Prefecture, created so that a fine view can be enjoyed from the inner parlor
• ​Household Good Displays and Guidance​​: Staff guide visitors through displays of old household goods and seasonal special exhibits, and there is also an experience where you can wear a kimono and take photos

History and Highlights

The Former Mikami Family Residence is a merchant family home with its estate facing Kawaramachi Street on the west side of the castle town of Miyazu. During the Edo period, the Mikami family operated sake brewing, shipping, and yarn wholesaling businesses, standing as one of the prominent merchant families in the Miyazu castle town under the shop name "Mottoiya." In 2003 (Heisei 15), eight structures, including the main building (omoya), were designated as National Important Cultural Properties.

The main building was destroyed by fire in the Great Fire of Miyazu in 1783 (Tenmei 3) and was rebuilt within that same year. Centered around the gable-front (tsumairi) main building, the estate features the shin-zashiki (new parlor) and the niwa-zashiki (garden parlor) adjoining to the south, while the kamaba (cauldron room) and sake brewery line the north side. Records show that the new parlor was built in 1820 (Bunsei 3), the sake brewery in 1830 (Bunsei 13), and the garden parlor in 1838 (Tenpo 9). The estate is highly valued for its large scale as a merchant house, the high quality of the parlors built to entertain guests, and the well-preserved sake brewing facilities.

Highlights for Viewing and Experiences

• ​Main Building Built to Withstand Fire​​: The main building is characterized by its thorough fireproof construction and its eaves, which feature sumi-ogi-daruki (fan-shaped rafters laid out radially only at the corners of the eaves). It is a precious structure whose conditions at the time of construction after the great fire are known from ancient construction documents. Its exterior features a beautiful white-plastered wall design.
• ​Parlors and the Prefectural Place of Scenic Beauty Garden​​: The parlors feature high-quality craftsmanship spared no expense. The garden is designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty of Kyoto Prefecture and is created so that a fine view can be enjoyed from the inner parlor.
• ​Household Good Displays and Guidance​​: Inside the facility, exhibitions of old household goods and seasonal special exhibits are held, with staff available to guide visitors. There is also an experience where you can wear a kimono and take photos freely.

Tips for Strolling

Located within the town of Miyazu, Miyazu Catholic Church is situated about 470 meters to the southeast. Walking to both allows you to experience the daily life and history of faith in Miyazu, which flourished as a castle town. There is also a cafe inside the residence, allowing you to spend time relaxing in a serene space designated as an Important Cultural Property.