Nakasendo Hishiya Museum

The Nakasendo Hishiya Museum preserves the restored residence of the Furuyama family, a powerful merchant family that operated under the trade name Hishiya for 17 generations since the early Edo period. Located in Oi-juku along the historic Nakasendo highway in Ena City, Gifu Prefecture, this museum offers visitors insight into the commercial life and culture of one of the region's most prosperous post towns during Japan's Edo period (1603-1867).

The Furuyama family made their fortune selling grain, cloth, salt, and brewing sake, becoming one of the wealthiest households in the area. The residence was renovated and opened as a museum in September 2000, with restoration work bringing the building close to its original state. In 1997, the property was designated as a cultural property of Ena City, recognizing its historical and architectural significance.

The museum's primary attraction is the building itself, which exemplifies traditional machiya (townhouse) architecture characteristic of Edo-period merchant residences. Inside, the reference room displays historical documents related to the commercial activities that once thrived in Oi-juku, as well as materials about haikai poetry that the family head practiced. These exhibits provide context about the cultural and economic characteristics of the post town and surrounding villages during the Nakasendo's heyday.

Oi-juku served as the 46th post town on the Nakasendo Highway and flourished greatly among the 17 post stations in Mino. The town retains much of its historical character, with the Nakasendo road maintaining its original dimensions and featuring six preserved masugata (defensive curves). Visitors exploring the Hishiya Museum often combine their visit with walking the historic Nakasendo trail or visiting the nearby Nakasendo Hiroshige Art Museum, which showcases ukiyo-e woodblock prints.

The museum is easily accessible from JR Ena Station, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the Nakasendo route or the Ena City area. Admission fees apply, and the intimate scale of the museum allows for a focused appreciation of this well-preserved example of merchant-class life during Japan's Edo period.