Nishie Residence

The Nishie Residence stands as a remarkable testament to the prosperity generated by copper mining and bengara pigment production in the Fukiya area of Okayama Prefecture, dating back approximately 310 years. Constructed during the height of the Edo Period, this nationally registered tangible cultural property features five kura storehouses and preserves its traditional Japanese architectural design. What distinguishes this residence from typical museum properties is that it remains the private home of the Nishie family, who have continuously inhabited and maintained it across generations.

The residence holds particular cultural significance as the origin point of bengara, a red pigment that was used in Imari porcelain exported to Europe during the 19th century. Members of the Nishie family served as village headmen for the shogunate during the Edo period, and the residence functioned as both their family home and the local administrator's offices. The bengara industry brought considerable wealth to Fukiya, transforming it into a thriving production center that left an indelible mark on Japanese industrial heritage.

Visitors experience the residence through guided tours that provide insight into both the family's history and the traditional architecture that has been preserved in its original splendor. The guided tour includes tea and sweets as part of the experience, allowing guests to appreciate the residence in an authentic cultural context. The property's continued use as a private home ensures that it maintains a living quality rarely found in historical properties, with each room and storehouse reflecting centuries of careful stewardship.

Access to the Nishie Residence requires advance reservations and can be arranged through their official website. Guided tours are conducted in Japanese and cost between ¥1,650 and ¥2,200 depending on the visit date, with the fee including admission, tea, and sweets. Tours last approximately 90 minutes. From JR Bitchu-Takahashi Station, visitors take a bus bound for Sakamoto and alight at Sakamoto stop, followed by a 50-minute walk to the residence. Alternatively, access from Niimi Station by bus provides a more convenient route. The residence is located in Fukiya, a mountain village situated approximately 500 meters above sea level in Takahashi City.