Ohashi Family Residence

The Ohashi Family Residence in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, stands as one of Japan's finest examples of an Edo-period merchant house. Built in 1796, this grand estate belonged to the Ohashi family, wealthy salt and rice merchants who wielded considerable influence in the region's commercial networks. The residence earned designation as an Important Cultural Property in 1978, recognizing its architectural merit and historical value as a testament to the prosperity of merchant-class families during the late feudal era.

The estate exemplifies the sophisticated lifestyle and social status of successful Edo-period merchants. The architecture combines functional commercial spaces with refined living quarters, demonstrating how wealthy merchant families balanced business operations with domestic life. The residence features traditional design elements including spacious tatami rooms, intricate wooden lattice work, and a central courtyard.

Visitors can explore the two-story wooden structure and observe well-preserved interiors that showcase period furnishings, household items, and architectural details. The residence offers insight into daily life among Japan's merchant elite, from formal reception rooms to private family quarters and service areas.

The property includes exhibition spaces displaying artifacts related to the salt and rice trade that formed the foundation of the Ohashi family fortune. The careful preservation allows visitors to experience the spatial arrangement and aesthetic sensibilities of an authentic merchant residence.

The Ohashi Family Residence is located in Kurashiki's Bikan Historical Quarter, within walking distance of the famous canal area. From JR Kurashiki Station, the residence is approximately a 15-minute walk. Admission costs ¥550 for adults and ¥350 for children, with combination tickets available for visiting multiple historical sites in the area.