Background

Yoshijima Traditional House: A Glimpse into Takayama's Past

Explore a Meiji-era sake brewer's home in Takayama, showcasing traditional architecture and craftsmanship.

4.2

The Yoshijima Traditional House in Takayama offers a captivating look into the lifestyle of a wealthy sake brewing family during the Meiji era. Built in 1907, this architectural gem showcases exquisite wooden craftsmanship and a harmonious blend of functional design and aesthetic beauty.

A brief summary to Yoshijima Traditional House

  • Wednesday 9:30 am-3:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-3:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-3:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-3:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-3:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the day to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
  • Take your time to appreciate the intricate wooden details and craftsmanship throughout the house.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Kusakabe Folk Museum to compare the different architectural styles.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From JR Takayama Station, the Yoshijima Traditional House is approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Head north from the station towards the old town area. Follow the main street, and then turn left onto Oshinmachi Street. The Yoshijima House will be on your right. There are signs in English to guide you. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    From Takayama Station, take the Nouhi Bus. Get off at the Kusakabe Folk Museum bus stop. The Yoshijima Traditional House is a short walk from the bus stop. The fare is around ¥100-¥2600.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from JR Takayama Station. The ride to Yoshijima Traditional House is short, approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around ¥700-¥1000. Ask the driver to take you to 'Yoshijima-ke Jutaku' on Oshinmachi Street.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 1 Chome-51 Oshinmachi, Takayama. Parking can be found at Municipal Yayoi Bridge Parking (74m away), Matsui Toll Parking Lot (140m away) and Sakurayama Hachiman Shrine Takayama Festival Float Hall Parking Lot (221m away). D-Parking Takayama Ekimae is a budget friendly option for long term parking and is located near the station. Takayama Municipal Fudobashi Parking is open 24 hours. Parking fees range from ¥600-¥1000 per day. Be aware that parking spaces in the old town area can be limited.

Unlock the Best of Yoshijima Traditional House

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Yoshijima Traditional House

Step back in time at the Yoshijima Traditional House, a beautifully preserved former residence and sake brewery in Takayama. Constructed in 1907 by master carpenter Nishida Isaburo, the house exemplifies traditional Takayama architecture and the refined lifestyle of a successful merchant family. The Yoshijima family, prominent sake brewers and moneylenders, occupied the house for generations, leaving their mark on its design and atmosphere. The house's architecture is characterized by intricate wooden joinery, large beams, and a spacious interior that reflects the family's wealth and status. Sunlight filters through semitransparent shoji screens, illuminating the tatami-matted rooms and inner courtyard garden. The building is divided into distinct areas, including the shop entrance, business rooms, family living quarters, guest rooms, a tea ceremony room, and a Buddhist altar. A large cedar ball, traditionally hung outside sake breweries, adorns the entrance. Visitors can explore the two-story structure, admiring the craftsmanship and imagining daily life in the early 20th century. The open exhibit allows you to appreciate the details of the architecture, including the impressive earthen floor stairwell with its intricate network of beams and pillars. While the house is sparsely furnished, this simplicity allows the building's artistry to truly shine.

Popular Experiences near Yoshijima Traditional House

Popular Hotels near Yoshijima Traditional House

Select Currency