The Former Isobe Family Residence is a traditional wooden merchant house located in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture, that offers visitors a glimpse into the commercial life of the Edo period (1603-1868). The Isobe family operated the Kashiwa-ya dry goods company from this residence during the Edo period, and later used the building for making and selling tea. The residence was donated to the city by the Isobe family in 2004 and has since been restored and opened to the public as a cultural heritage site.
The building showcases traditional Edo-period merchant architecture and features a distinctively shaped convex roof called mukuri-yane, which is the only one of its kind still existing in Inuyama. This architectural detail makes the residence particularly significant among the historic buildings in the castle town. The structure exemplifies the typical layout of merchant houses from this era, with deep interior spaces that include storefronts, living quarters, and storage areas extending toward the back of the property.
Visitors can explore the restored interior of this traditional merchant house and experience the atmosphere of historical Inuyama. The residence serves as an educational resource for understanding how merchant families lived and conducted business during Japan's feudal era. The building is located in the historic Jokamachi district near Inuyama Castle, making it easy to combine with other cultural attractions in the area.
The Former Isobe Family Residence is situated at Inuyama Higashikoken 72, approximately 10 minutes on foot from Inuyama Station on the Meitetsu Komaki Line. Admission to the residence is free, though exhibition rooms may be rented for a fee. The building features minimal signage in English, so visitors who do not read Japanese should look for the characters 無料 at the entrance, which indicates free admission.
