Takahashi City Samurai Residence

The Takahashi City Samurai Residences are located in Ishibiyacho Furusato Village, a designated historical district in Takahashi, Okayama Prefecture. The area developed at the base of Matsuyama Castle into a thriving castle town of samurai, merchants and craftsmen during the Edo period. The district preserves a street lined with earthen walls on both sides and rows of houses with formal gates, offering an authentic glimpse into feudal Japan's stratified society.

Two residences are open to the public: the Former Orii Family Residence and the Former Haibara Family Residence. The Orii residence was built 170 years ago during the Tenpo era and housed a samurai with a stipend of around 200 koku. It consists of a main house and tenement gate, built in the traditional Shoin style, with a courtyard pond, garden stones, and stepping stones largely unchanged from the past. The Haibara residence dates from the mid-Edo period and features a rare structure incorporating elements of temples and sukiya-style buildings, designated as an Important Cultural Property. The Haibara family held particular significance as the family home of the real mother of the domain lord.

Visitors can explore all rooms in both residences, including kitchens and bathrooms. The Orii residence displays lifesize dolls arranged to reenact daily life during the Edo Period, and the gardens may be viewed from the house. The Haibara residence features an expansive layout with traditional tatami rooms, a fully preserved kitchen, and even the original toilet, showcasing the lifestyle of high-ranking samurai families.

The residences are located within a 10-15 minute walk from Bitchu-Takahashi Station. Takahashi can be accessed via the JR Hakubi Line from Okayama (¥840, 36-55 minutes by express or regular train). Individual admission costs ¥400 per residence, or visitors can purchase a discounted combination ticket for ¥1,000 that includes admission to Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, Raikyuji Temple, and both samurai residences. A ¥1,500 ticket is available that additionally covers the Takahashi Historical Museum and Yamada Hokoku Museum.