The former Sato family residence, built with thick pillars and beams to withstand the harsh conditions of the heavy snow region. It's a precious building where you can experience the lifestyle and culture of that time.
Historic Sites
National Treasure
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Highlights
A historically significant building designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan
Observe the unique architecture of a heavy snow region
Experience the lifestyle and culture of the Edo period
Restored to its original state, allowing you to imagine life in the past
A main hall-style three-bay structure centered around a tea room, with a sitting room and earth floor
4-minute drive from Suhara Station bus stop
3-minute drive / 25-minute walk from Megurotei.
*Please note that there is a steep incline. Show route
Op.Hours
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Cld.Days
Open daily from April to November.
*Closed during winter (December to April)
Fee
Free of charge for the time being
INFO
*Please note that there is no parking lot on site.
Large buses must park on the road in front of the facility. We kindly ask for your cooperation in avoiding any inconvenience to local residents.
*There are no restrooms, vending machines, or rest areas available. We appreciate your understanding.
Restrooms are available at the parking lot next to the Meguro Residence.
The Former Sato Family Residence is a farmhouse in Okura, Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Built in 1738 (Genbun 3), late Edo period, this house, with its chu-mon-zukuri style common to the heavy snow regions of central Niigata Prefecture, is recognized for its historical significance. Constructed with thick pillars and beams to withstand the harsh, snowy environment, it offers a glimpse into the lifestyle and culture of the time. The building has been restored to its original state, allowing visitors to imagine what life was like then.
The Former Sato Family Residence features a main hall-style three-bay structure centered around a 'cha-no-ma' (tea room), with a 'dei' (sitting room) and 'niwa' (earth floor). It incorporates the chu-mon-zukuri style, a common architectural feature in areas facing the Sea of Japan in Niigata and Akita prefectures, distinct from the curved-roof houses (magariya) of Iwate Prefecture.
To withstand the 3-4 meter snowdrifts of winter, the house is built with thick pillars, large brackets, numerous beams, and a raised foundation with snow-melting ponds. The pillars around the sitting room are planed smooth, and the presence of ceilings suggests the family's status as a prominent shoya (village headman). From the late Edo to early Meiji periods, the house also served as a terakoya (temple school), with the 'dei' used as a classroom, the 'cha-no-ma' as a gymnasium, and the second floor as a teacher's room.
The Former Sato Family Residence is a precious cultural asset that preserves the wisdom and culture of life in a heavy snow region. Experience history and learn about the lifestyle and architectural techniques of the time. Be sure to visit when you're in Uonuma City.
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