Former Matsusaka Family Residence

In short

The Former Matsusaka Family Residence is a wealthy merchant's mansion facing Honmachi-dori street in the heart of the Takehara Historic Preservation District, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Takehara City. As the residence of a hama-danna (a wealthy salt pan owner), it is open to the public for interior viewing.

• ​The Wavelike Grand Roof​​: The large roof, covered with traditional hongawarabuki tiles, combines upward curves (teri) and convex arches (mukuri), forming undulating, wavelike lines reminiscent of a karahafu (cusped gable)
• ​Lattice and Window Design​​: The ornate degoshi (projecting lattice) on the first floor, the diamond-pattern lattice windows on the second floor, and the exterior walls coated in greenish-brown plaster form the facade that attained its current appearance during the Meiji-era renovation
• ​Sukiya-Style Tatami Rooms and Garden​​: From the garden, visitors can view Fumeikaku Hall of Saiho-ji Temple standing on the high ground, which makes use of the concept of shakkei ("borrowed scenery") to incorporate the surrounding landscape into the garden

History and Highlights

The ​Former Matsusaka Family Residence​ is a wealthy merchant's mansion facing Honmachi-dori street in the heart of the Takehara Historic Preservation District, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Takehara City. Operating under the trade name "Sawadaya," the Matsusaka family ran a wholesale business dealing in firewood and coal essential for salt pan operations. They expanded widely into salt pan management, shipping, and brewing, and family members served as village headmen (shoya) and mayors of Takehara. As the residence of a hama-danna (a wealthy salt pan owner), it is open to the public for interior viewing.

The residence was originally built in the late Edo period between the Bunsei and Tenpo eras and underwent renovations in 1879 (Meiji 12) to take on its present form. Three interconnected structures remain: the omoya (main building) with a hip-and-gable roof facing the street, a rear building standing behind it, and the tsunoya connecting the two. With its wide, imposing frontage, the main building is an exceptionally striking presence even within the townscape of Takehara, known as "Aki's Little Kyoto."

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​The Wavelike Grand Roof​​: The large roof, covered with traditional hongawarabuki tiles, combines upward curves (teri) and convex arches (mukuri), forming undulating, wavelike lines reminiscent of a karahafu (cusped gable). Step back slightly from the street to admire the profile of the roof.
• ​Lattice and Window Design​​: The first floor features ornate degoshi (projecting lattice), while the second floor is lined with diamond-pattern lattice windows. Combined with exterior walls coated in greenish-brown plaster, this facade attained its current appearance during the Meiji-era renovation.
• ​Sukiya-Style Tatami Rooms and Garden​​: The tatami reception rooms are designed throughout in the sukiya style. From the garden, visitors can view Fumeikaku Hall of Saiho-ji Temple standing on the high ground above, skillfully utilizing the concept of shakkei ("borrowed scenery") to incorporate the surrounding landscape into the garden.

Walking Tips

Strolling along Honmachi-dori street while comparing the lattices and roofs of the exterior with those of other merchant houses is an enjoyable way to discover the unique differences of each home. Fumeikaku Hall, visible from the garden, can be reached by climbing the stone steps. If you wish to visit another salt pan owner's mansion, the Former Kasai Residence is located near the southern entrance; for a Taisho-era mansion, the Former Morikawa Family Residence is also nearby. The background and origins of the entire townscape are introduced under the "Takehara Historic Preservation District," and details about Fumeikaku Hall are provided under that spot.