Is the residence in central Kurashiki?

No. The residence is located in the Kojima area of Kurashiki, not the central historic district, requiring bus or taxi from the station.

What rooms can I see inside the residence?

The main house includes formal reception rooms, family living quarters, and service areas, each reflecting different aspects of household organization and social function during the Edo period.

What other attractions are near the Former Nozaki Family Residence?

Nearby attractions include the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter with its preserved canal district, Washuzan Hill for coastal views, and Seto Ohashi Bridge connecting Honshu and Shikoku.

Okayama

Former Nozaki Family Residence

Q: What can I see at the residence?

The complex includes the main house, storehouse, tea house, and garden. Displays feature family heirlooms, historical documents, furniture, artworks, and household items illustrating Edo-period merchant life, plus architectural features like thick earthen walls and intricate woodwork.

4.3 (513)Historical PlaceTourist AttractionPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated May 17, 2026

The Former Nozaki Family Residence is a historic merchant house in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, completed in 1833 during the late Edo period. The residence belonged to the Nozaki family, wealthy merchants and landowners who made their fortune through salt production in Kojima Bay. The family became one of the region's most prominent merchant families. The residence and associated buildings served as living quarters and administrative headquarters for business operations. The property was preserved as a cultural property and opened as a museum showcasing Edo-period merchant life and architecture.

The residence is designated an Important Cultural Property as a well-preserved example of wealthy merchant estate architecture. The complex includes the main house, storehouse, tea house, garden, and auxiliary buildings. Architecture features thick earthen walls, tile roofing, intricate woodwork, and tatami-mat rooms arranged by hierarchy and function. The residence contains family heirlooms, historical documents, furniture, artworks, and household items illustrating daily life and business activities. Gardens demonstrate traditional Japanese landscape design.

Visitors tour the residence viewing rooms, architectural features, and artifacts. The main house includes formal reception rooms, family living quarters, and service areas. Explanatory materials describe room purposes, architectural details, and family history. The storehouse displays business records, artworks, ceramics, and personal items. The tea house and gardens show cultural refinement valued by wealthy merchants. The residence offers insight into Edo-period merchant elite lifestyle, values, and economic activities.

The Former Nozaki Family Residence is accessible from JR Kurashiki Station on the JR San'yo Main Line, approximately 30 to 40 minutes by bus or taxi in the Kojima area, not the central Kurashiki district. Kurashiki is accessible via Shinkansen to Shin-Kurashiki Station or regular trains. Admission costs around 500 to 800 yen for adults.

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 86-472-2001

Website

www.nozakike.or.jp

Overview

Address

1-chōme-11-19 Kojimaajino, Kurashiki, Okayama 711-0913, Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

Former Nozaki Residence is a beautifully preserved historic home that offers a peaceful glimpse into Japan’s merchant past. The traditional architecture and well-kept garden create a calm atmosphere, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in history and culture.

Ivy Chen

Jan 17, 2026

Visited on a weekday (Wednesday) and decided to pop in while waiting for the other stores to open. My fiancé and I, Being foreigners, were anticipating a quick whiz through simply there to enjoy the historic building only. To my surprise there was a lovely local guide that gave us a tour, although it was all in Japanese, he did try his best to explain things as plainly as we could understand it. The lovely man was an absolute gem. The visit ended up lasting a full hour, which we thoroughly enjoyed and would highly recommend to anyone who happens to be in the area. We learned a whole lot more than we expected to.

A grand estate with beautiful, traditional gardens and well-preserved buildings. The history of the Nozaki family and the salt trade is very interesting, and really compliments a historical tour of Kojima if you also visit the Shimotsui Shipping Agent Museum (むかし下津井回船問屋) where hundreds of years of history all come together, here. Kojima's past connects with other parts of ancient Japan with shipping and trade, so this is another piece of the puzzle if you enjoy discovering history and can experience a part of it in these gardens. You can also experience style of tea ceremony and try unique sweets similar to what was served here many years ago.

Unique Historical Residence of NOZAKI family, where you can enjoy every detail of the magnific house together with Salt Museum, private collection & tools, sorrounded by beautiful gardens.

Discover the salt Japanese salt industry history in the former residence of the Nozaki family. You can make some salt but you will need to book the activity in advance