Yokooji Residence

Overview

Yokooji Residence is a historic house located in Kamifu, Shingu-machi, Kasuya-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture. Considered one of the oldest surviving folk houses in Kyushu, it's designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is commonly known as "Sennen-ya" (Thousand-Year House). While believed to date back to the early Edo period (mid-17th century), based on its thatched roof and bent-roof style, there is no definitive historical record confirming its exact construction date. According to local legend, in 805 AD (Enryaku 24), Saicho, the founder of Japanese Tendai Buddhism, returned from studying in China and landed in this area. He founded Dokko-ji Temple (in Tachibana-guchi, Shingu-machi), and as a token of appreciation, he is said to have given the Yokooji family's ancestor, who assisted him, a sacred fire (hobi) and a statue of Bishamonten. It's also said that during Oda Nobunaga's burning of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei, the sacred fire on Mount Hiei was extinguished, and the fire was subsequently transported from Yokooji Residence to reignite it. The fire was kept continuously in the family's hearth for over a thousand years until recent times. In 2011, upon the passing of the then head of the Yokooji family, the upkeep of the sacred fire became difficult, and it was moved to Myokoan in Kamon Shrine in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. The house is a gable-roofed, thatched structure with a bent-roof design featuring an extension on the east side. It underwent complete dismantling and restoration from 2000 to 2003. Based on the finishing of its materials, it is believed to date back to the mid-17th century, making it one of the oldest surviving houses in Kyushu. Originally, the structure was a "kudo-zukuri" style, with a U-shaped ridge, but it was altered to its current bent-roof style in the first half of the 19th century. During the restoration, the eaves tiles and entrance sliding doors were removed, and the house was reconstructed to approximate its appearance in the early 19th century. Yokooji Residence is a precious place to experience history and tradition. Nearby attractions include Dokko-ji Temple in Tachibana-guchi, Shingu-machi, and Kamon Shrine in Dazaifu City, both worth exploring.