Outline

This is the residence of Jozan Yamadera, a retainer of the Matsushiro Clan. It features a large front gate built in the mid-nineteenth century and a Japanese garden with a pond into which water flows via a water channel called “sensuiro.” The gate is about 22 meters wide, making it the largest of its kind remaining in Matsushiro. The sight of the gate and the “sensuiro” together exudes a peaceful atmosphere typical of this beautiful castle town.

Jozan Yamadera

Jozan Yamadera was a middle-class samurai of the Matsushiro Clan. During his active years, he assumed positions in charge of: public welfare, taxation and control of Buddhist temples. When young, he studied in the capital city Edo, present-day Tokyo, for several years. His broad knowledge and excellent leadership earned him high popularity within the Matsushiro Clan. In his later years, Jozan opened a private school in the city of Nagano to educate the younger generation.

Resting Place

A resting place is provided, where a variety of information and materials are available so that the visitor can learn something more about Matsushiro’s historical attractions while resting and relaxing.

“Sensui” and “Sensuiro”

One of the highlights of a tour of samurai residences in Matsushiro is the clean water system called “sensui”, each comprised of a water-purifying reservoir, a pond and a “sensuiro” water channel. The garden of each samurai residence is provided with “sensui” including the “sensuiro” water channel. Each house uses this eco-friendly system to purify water for household use then forwards the water through the garden to the neighbor’s residence. The large pond in this samurai residence uses water from the Kanda River, which charmingly enhances the tasteful townscape of Matsushiro.