Discover the Samurai House: The Takahashi Family Residence

Matsumoto is a city rich with cultural heritage, and the Takahashi Family Residence is a testament to Japan’s storied samurai past. This beautifully restored samurai house offers visitors a unique glimpse into the life of feudal retainers of the Matsumoto Domain. As one of the few remaining samurai houses in the region, it holds a special place in Nagano Prefecture’s history, being among the oldest buildings of its kind and designated as an important cultural property in 1969.

The Takahashi Family Residence, once a bustling abode for the Takahashi clan, long-time vassals of the Toda Clan, encapsulates the essence of a middle-class samurai dwelling. With its migration to Matsumoto in 1726, alongside the Toda Clan’s establishment in the castle, the residence’s historical significance was cemented. The architecture of the residence, with its 11.6m width and 8.2m depth, reflects the strategic and aesthetic considerations of its era. The interior, divided into functional spaces with tatami mats, and the aesthetically pleasing pocket garden at the front, exemplify the blend of utility and beauty characteristic of samurai homes.

Not merely a residence, the Takahashi Family Residence has evolved into a cultural hub, showcasing the samurai lifestyle of the late Edo and early Meiji eras. Opened to the public as a museum in May 2009, it offers an immersive experience into the 18th and 19th centuries’ domestic life. The layout of the house, particularly the division of spaces into four rooms resembling the character for ‘rice field’ (田), reveals insights into architectural norms and social customs of the time.

Visitors to the Takahashi Family Residence are transported back in time as they walk through the Doma (dirt floor) area, explore the large room divided into living quarters, and marvel at the restored kamado in the kitchen area. The residence’s small yet intricate garden spaces, both aesthetic and functional, tell stories of a bygone era where beauty and sustenance were intertwined in the daily lives of the samurai class.

Located just a few minutes walk north of the iconic Matsumoto Castle, the residence is easily accessible to those keen to explore the historical depths of Matsumoto. Whether you’re meandering through the back streets or hopping off the ‘Town Sneaker’ tourist bus, the journey to this hidden gem is an experience in itself. The residence welcomes visitors with free admission, offering a rare opportunity to step into the world of samurai without the barrier of an entry fee.

We recommend you also visit Nakamachi Street to find the local specialty stores, and Nawate Shopping Street for Matsumoto’s souvenirs. If you are interested in fermented products, we suggest visiting Ishii Miso, where you can witness the meticulous miso-making process up close. They also sell miso-based products at the store, and you can enjoy a lunch containing miso soup, salad with miso dressing, rice balls, and even ice cream using our miso.

For those looking to enrich their visit, the surrounding city of Matsumoto presents a myriad of samurai-related experiences, from katana fighting workshops to guided tours that delve deeper into the city’s samurai heritage. The Takahashi Family Residence is not just a museum; it’s a gateway to understanding the profound samurai legacy that shapes Matsumoto’s cultural landscape.

In visiting the Takahashi Family Residence, you’re not just observing history; you’re becoming part of a continuing story that bridges the past with the present. This historical haven invites you to walk through the living quarters of samurai, feel the cool tatami underfoot, and gaze upon gardens that have witnessed centuries unfold. It’s a journey back in time, offering a tactile connection to the samurai era, preserved within the heart of Matsumoto. For more information, visit the Welcome Matsumoto Blog page.