A precious cultural property: a well-preserved residence of a wealthy farmer from the mid-Edo period.
The Former Omori Family Residence is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property located in Wake-cho, Wake-gun, Okayama Prefecture. This wealthy farmer's residence, built in the mid-Edo period, offers a glimpse into the life and culture of that era. The main house, roughly square when viewed from above, features a second story in parts, showcasing the architectural style of the time. The property also includes numerous structures such as a storehouse-cum-living room (kura-zasiki) and a tea room, providing further insight into daily life. The kura-zasiki boasts a wider-than-usual tokonoma (alcove) and uses lumber with holes made by shipworms, filled with gofun (white pigment), in the frames of its different shelves – demonstrating meticulous craftsmanship. The tea room, situated in a garden between the main house and the kura-zasiki, allows visitors to experience the culture of the time through the practice of tea ceremony. The Former Omori Family Residence is a valuable cultural asset that preserves the lifestyle and culture of the Edo period, making it an enjoyable tourist spot for history buffs and everyone alike.