Yoshimura Residence

Overview

The Yoshimura Residence is a venerable farmhouse over 200 years old, nestled in the mountains of Fuji-machi, Saga Prefecture. Designated as a Nationally Important Cultural Property, you can truly feel the weight of its history. The discovery of an inscription indicating its construction in 1789 (Tenmei 9) confirmed it as the oldest surviving farmhouse in the prefecture. Built in the valuable "nagaiye-shiki" (straight house) style found in northern Saga, it's a traditional single-story wooden structure with a thatched gabled roof, perfectly preserving the essence of old Japan's architectural style. Smoke vents are cleverly incorporated above the hearths and irori (sunken hearth), giving it a unique character. With a dirt floor area (doma) to the east and five rooms to the west, the interior is also open to visitors. Taking your time to explore, imagining the lives lived within, you'll feel the romance of history. While the Yoshimura family's history remains unclear, the scale of the building and the length of its beams are larger than those of neighboring farmhouses, suggesting it may have belonged to a wealthy farming family. Harmoniously blending with the surrounding nature, the Yoshimura Residence stands in quiet solitude, a precious place where you can feel the presence of history and culture. Be sure to visit and experience its charm for yourself.