The House of an Utsumi Shipowner
The Former Uchida Family Residence (Uchida Sashichi House) (旧内田家住宅) is the house of the Uchida Sashichi family, leading owners of the Utsumi cargo fleet, in Utsumi, Minamichita Town, Chita District, Aichi Prefecture; built in 1869, it was designated an Important Cultural Property on July 31, 2017. The Agency for Cultural Affairs records it as a timber building, partly two storeys, with a tiled roof and a building area of 235.19 square metres. It is owned by Minamichita Town.
According to the town, the second Uchida Sashichi built it, and it comprises the main house, a reception wing, a retirement wing, a new barn and several sheds and storehouses. Ridge tablets and old plans confirm that the oldest parts, the main house and reception wing, were completed in 1869. It is one of the largest surviving shipowners' houses on the Pacific side, and some timbers from ships of the time remain in it.
Why It Is an Important Cultural Property
The house was designated in 2017. The Agency describes it as the house of a shipowner representative of Utsumi, a district that prospered through coastal shipping. Many outbuildings surround the main house, forming an imposing compound; the main house has heavy beams over a wide earth-floored area, and its living quarters include rooms called the butsuma (Buddhist altar room) and the kamiya (Shinto shrine room). The reception wing attached to it is finely built, and the shipowners are said to have held their Ebisu-ko gatherings there.
The Agency concludes that the plan of the main house and the arrangement of its outbuildings show the character of a shipowner's residence, that the compound established in the early Meiji period survives almost intact, and that it is highly valuable as a rare shipowner's house on the Pacific side. The town adds that it has the scale and standing of a village headman's residence.
What to Look For
The main house follows a six-room plan, three rooms north to south in two rows, with the rear central room divided into the butsuma and the kamiya (Minamichita Town). The spacious kamiya enshrines deities including Kotohiragu, guardian of safe voyages, reflecting the shipowners' devotion. Above the earth-floored niwa, massive beams and a smoke vent are exposed.
The reception wing is the most formal building, with an upper room, next room, tea room and inner room. The upper room has a built-in desk, alcove and side shelves, and its finely grained ceiling boards are said to be Yaku cedar; the tea room of three and three-quarter mats shows sukiya features. The main garden to the south has large stones, including a Kurama stone said to be a gift from the Todo lords of Tsu (Minamichita Town).
Visiting the House
The Former Uchida Family Residence opens on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays (except the New Year). Admission is ¥300 (free for junior high school students and younger), with volunteer guides on Sundays (Minamichita Town). Hours, access and parking are on the Uchida Family Residences of the Utsumi Shipowners page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Aichi
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Former Uchida Family Residence (Uchida Sashichi House)
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Q&A
- When was the Former Uchida Family Residence built?
- In 1869, by the second Uchida Sashichi.
- When was it designated an Important Cultural Property?
- On July 31, 2017.
- What were the Utsumi-bune?
- Cargo ships based around Utsumi that bought goods where they were produced and sold them where they delivered them, making large profits.
- What should I look for in the house?
- The main house plan with its butsuma and kamiya, the massive beams over the earth floor, and the upper room said to have a Yaku cedar ceiling.
- Can I visit the house?
- Yes, on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays for ¥300, with volunteer guides on Sundays.
Basic Information
| Name | Former Uchida Family Residence (Uchida Sashichi House) (旧内田家住宅) |
|---|---|
| Location | 39 Minamigawa, Utsumi, Minamichita Town, Chita District, Aichi Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Designated 2017/7/31 (Heisei 29) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber, partly 2 storeys, tiled roof, building area 235.19 square metres |
| Owner | Minamichita Town |
| Public Access | Open Saturdays, Sundays and holidays (¥300) |
References
- 旧内田家住宅 (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/00005000
- About the Uchida houses (Minamichita Town)
- https://www.town.minamichita.lg.jp/kankosangyou/bunkasports/1001407/1001408.html
- Visitor information for the Uchida houses (Minamichita Town)
- https://www.town.minamichita.lg.jp/kankosangyou/bunkasports/1001407/1001409.html
Last verified: 2026.10.04
Cultural Treasures in the Same Area
All are within walking distance in the same area, so we recommend visiting them together.
- Former Uchida Family Residence Tatami room 0.00 km
- Former Uchida Family Residence Retirement home 0.00 km
- Former Uchida Family Residence New barn and front gate 0.00 km
- Former Uchida Family Residence rice storehouse 0.00 km
- Former Uchida Family Residence Inuizo 0.00 km
- Former Uchida Family Residence storehouse 0.00 km
- Former Uchida Family Residence Miso room, pickles room, and grilled food room 0.00 km
- Former Uchida Family Residence Hakozo 0.00 km
- Former Uchida Family Residence Main house 0.00 km
