Outline

This residence belonged to the Maejima Family, a retainer who had served the Sanada Family lords since times of old. Its main building, built in 1759, is the oldest of its kind among existing samurai residences in Matsushiro. The original building was roofed with thatch. Its interior exudes a tasteful atmosphere thanks to spacious tatami floors and papered “shoji” sliding doors that allow the rooms to be light. Another feature is that the guest room has an authentic “tokonoma” alcove that is characteristic of traditional Japanese homes. The “tokonoma” served dual purposes: one as the symbolic centerpiece of the guest room, and two as a symbol of the family’s high status. Also, worthy of note is an exquisite Japanese garden with a pond which can be viewed from the main guest room.

About the Maejima Family

The Maejima clan was a samurai clan that served the Sanada clan for many years from the 16th century. For generations, the Maejima clan served as middle-ranking samurai in the Matsushiro Domain and worked as spear instructors. Around the end of the Edo period, the clan was known as a clan of artillery masters.