Yoshijima Traditional House

I love visiting traditional houses and especially for architecture and photography. The neighborhood was calm and silent when the time I visited, not a single local or tourist which made the lane look peaceful. Inside the house, you leave your footwear outside and step inside to a different world. (Guide is very important to know the history). The woodwork will make you wonder, why no nails were used. We walked from one room to another and loved the quiteness and simple beauty. I want to own a house like this someday.

Some interesting exhibits and chance to see building up close. A bit expensive for the experience as many local shops and eateries give you a glimpse of the old buildings they are located in. Traveled in November so some of the leaves were amazing and elevated experience for me. Stairs very steep and no shoes as expected in parts of space. Go down the street to ember coffee and enjoy the architecture for the price of a coffee.

Considered a National Important Cultural Treasure. Not much to see inside, honestly, but going with a guide is recommended because she/he will tell you more about the architecture and explain you the way people lived (and some still do) in this kind of homes. It used to be a prosperous sake brewery before being turned into a residence and lastly a tourist attraction. You have to take your shoes off at the entrance so bring warm socks (we’re in October now); I had thin ones and my feet were freezing.

Hidden inside an unassuming sliding door, this massive empty traditional Japanese living space is quite odd. There is almost nothing on display until you get to the outside space at the back, which seemed to have some sort of collaboration with an artist? As such, the fairly high entry price (1500Y, cash only) is hard to justify when your time will consist of 10 minutes wandering around large empty spaces! Whilst the hidden entrance and high cost ensures it is empty, there's almost no actual information here. I'd recommend instead visiting a restaurant or inn with traditional layouts.

Yoshijima Heritage House was built in 1907 by master carpenter Nishida Isaburo. It served as the home of the Yoshijima family, who were prominent sake brewers and moneylenders. The house is renowned for its exquisite Meiji-era architecture, characterized by intricate wooden joinery and a harmonious blend of functional design and aesthetic beauty. Notably, the structure features large wooden beams and a spacious interior that reflects the wealth and status of its original inhabitants. Visitors can explore various rooms that showcase traditional Japanese living spaces, including tatami-matted rooms, sliding shoji screens, and an inner courtyard garden. However, there are few exhibits on display, so considering the admission fee (¥1,500), the overall experience may feel somewhat underwhelming.

It's always interesting to visit a traditional house if you are of the curious type (like me). And this house is a testimony of bygone times. My only reservation regards the lack of explanation in the rooms themselves even if they provide a sheet of paper in English with a general explanation.

Traditional house. It is a two storey house. To go up, there is a quite a sloppy narrow stairs from one side and the other from another side. Cost 1000yen. Abit steep for the price. If it is slightly cheaper maybe can attract more tourists to come. But there is always pros and cons. Overall, the feeling of the house is good. Feels calm and peaceful in the house.

The house is big and nice to explore. You can spend 15' to 30' here depend on how fast you walk around. It is 2 levels and spacious house. The price is steep. If you plan to visit Hida Folk Village, you can skip this place.