Naka Family Residence

In short

The Naka Family Residence, located in Kubota, Ando Town, is a Yamato moated residence surrounded by a double moat. It well retains the appearance of a medieval samurai residence built in the flatland castle (hirajiro) style. The main building (omoya) dates from the early Edo period and is designated as a national Important Cultural Property. On the spacious grounds, a rare magatama (comma-shaped jewel) shaped stove and a steam bath also remain, reflecting the lifestyle of a wealthy farming family.

• ​Double Moat​​: The residence sits inside a double ring of moats, well preserving the form of a moated dwelling typical of the Yamato region.
• ​Yamato-mune Style Main Building​​: A large main building measuring 20.9 meters in ridge length and 10.9 meters in span, with a roof thatched and tiled.
• ​Jibutsu-do Chapel and Kuri​​: In addition to the main building, the preservation of the private Buddhist chapel (Jibutsu-do) and the living quarters and kitchen (kuri) is considered rare.

History and Highlights

The ​Naka Family Residence​ is an estate located in Kubota, Ando Town, featuring a Yamato moated residence surrounded by a double moat. It preserves to this day the appearance of a medieval warrior's flatland castle style residence.

The residence is an example that well maintains the form of the Yamato region's moated dwellings. Inside the double moat, there is space equivalent to two properties. In terms of architecture, it is considered rare that it retains not only the main building and outbuildings, but also a Jibutsu-do chapel and a kuri quarters.

The main building was constructed in the early Edo period, around 1615 to 1660, and was designated as a national Important Cultural Property on April 25, 1968. It measures 20.9 meters in ridge length and 10.9 meters in span. The roof features a split-level gable (kirizuma-zukuri) design with eaves on all four sides, covered with thatch, formal tiles (hongawara), and pantiles (sangawara). A bath area and a latrine are attached to the east side.

Within the spacious grounds stand the Yamato-mune style main building, the front gate (omote-mon), a new tatami room (shin-zashiki), the Jibutsu-do chapel, and the kuri. A rare cooking stove shaped like a magatama and a steam bath also remain, offering a glimpse into the life of wealthy farmers.

Highlights for Visitors

• ​Double Moat​​: The estate is encircled by a double moat. You can perceive the style of a medieval samurai's flatland castle residence through the layout of the moats and grounds.
• ​Roof of the Yamato-mune Main Building​​: The roof of the main building features a split-level gable structure covered in a combination of thatch, formal tiles, and pantiles. It is a large structure measuring 20.9 meters in ridge length, with eaves on four sides.
• ​Magatama-shaped Stove and Steam Bath​​: A rare stove shaped like a magatama and a steam bath remain on the grounds. You can imagine the lifestyle of wealthy farmers through these daily living facilities.

Visiting Tips

Visits to the Naka Family Residence require a reservation. Please make a reservation by the day before your visit. The nearest bus stop is "Kubota Higashi (Nakake Jutaku-mae)." Upon arrival, first view the double moat and the front gate from the outside to see the layout of the moated residence. Walking around while keeping in mind that the double moat holds space for two properties will help you appreciate the vastness of the estate. Inside the grounds, look up at the large roof of the Yamato-mune main building, and take note of the daily living facilities such as the magatama-shaped stove and the steam bath.