Kawai House

Overview

Kawai House is a machiya townhouse in Imaicho, Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture, built in the early Edo period. Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, it offers a glimpse into the lives of wealthy merchants of that era. The Kawai family has long operated a sake brewery under the name "Jōhinjiya," and continues to do so today. Kawai House features a hipped and gabled roof with a projecting eave on the east side and a gable roof on the west side. It also has a covered veranda to the southeast, and a tile roof. The second floor's exterior is finished with white plaster, featuring beautiful round windows, showcasing excellent craftsmanship. As one of the relatively early two-story machiya in Imaicho, with tatami rooms on the second floor, the house provides a clear indication of the wealth and status of its former inhabitants. Kawai House is a valuable cultural asset that provides insight into the lives of wealthy merchants of its time. It's a must-see for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in experiencing a piece of Japan's past.