Morike Kitamae-bune Kaisen-yashiki (Mori Family's Kitamae-bune Wholesale Merchant's House)

Overview

The Morike Kitamae-bune Kaisen-yashiki is a wholesale merchant's house located in Higashiiwase-machi, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, which flourished from the late Edo period to the Meiji period. Kitamae-bune were ships that sailed along the Sea of Japan coast during the late Edo and Meiji periods, transporting goods. The Mori family were wealthy merchants who made their fortune through the Kitamae-bune trade, and their early Meiji-era building is a precious cultural asset that reflects the lifestyle of wealthy merchants at that time. The building, designated as a Nationally Important Cultural Property, allows visitors to experience the wealth and culture of the wealthy merchants of that era. The luxurious structure and interior are must-sees, particularly the *doma* (earth floor) corridor running from the entrance to the back of the building and the plaster paintings on the *dozo* (storehouse). These offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of wealthy merchants of that time. At Morike, you can also learn about the history of the Kitamae-bune trade. Exhibits depict the voyages of that time and the goods transported, highlighting the significant contribution of Kitamae-bune to Japan's economic development. A combined ticket for Morike and the adjacent Baba-ke is a great deal, so be sure to visit both. Baba-ke is even larger than Morike, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the lives of wealthy merchants at the time. Exploring both houses provides a deeper understanding of Toyama's history and its prosperity through the Kitamae-bune trade.