Former Sawahara Residence

Overview

The Former Sawahara Residence is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property located in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture. It's the former home of the Sawahara family, who served as *shoya* during the Edo period. Nine buildings, including the main house, front parlor, main gate (*omikado*), and triple storehouse (*mitsu-kura*), are designated as Important Cultural Properties. From the early 19th century, the Sawahara family held the positions of *shoya* in Shoyamada Village and *wari-shoya* (a type of village headman responsible for a group of villages) for nine villages in the Akigun Ura group. They moved to the current location in 1729 (Hoei 14). The main house, as it stands today, was rebuilt in 1756 (Horeki 6) with a tiled roof. In 1805 (Bunka 2), a front parlor was built as a rest stop and lodging for visits by the Hiroshima feudal lord. The main gate (*omikado*) was also constructed at the same time. Records show that the feudal lord (Asano Naokata) stayed there in 1806 (Bunka 3), and other feudal lords also stayed and rested there. Furthermore, the late 19th- and early 20th-century intellectual, Utsunomiya Mokurin, lived his final years at the residence, passing away there in 1897 (Meiji 30) at the age of 74. The front storehouse (*mitsu-kura*), facing the old Naganoki Kaido (road), was built in 1809 (Bunka 6). Around the late Meiji period, renovations were carried out, including improvements to the inner courtyard, modifications to the second floor, and conversion of some areas into Western-style rooms. Further renovations included the rebuilding of a new storehouse and the addition of a second floor. However, sake brewing facilities (*kura*) dating back to earlier times were completely demolished in 1949 (Showa 24), and trees were planted on the site. The Former Sawahara Residence has been preserved while remaining in use from the mid-Edo period to the present day. It’s an incredibly valuable historical building, embodying the history of modernization’s changes in daily life and culture. Known as a filming location for the movie 'In This Corner of the World,' it attracts many visitors on pilgrimage. It’s a recommended sightseeing spot not only for fans of the film but also for anyone interested in history and culture.