Banyama Family Residence (Mirasaka Town, Futami District,

Hatayama Family Residence: A Living Testament to Edo-Period Rural Life in Hiroshima

Tucked away in the gentle hills of Miyoshi City in northern Hiroshima Prefecture, the Hatayama Family Residence (旙山家住宅, Hatayama-ke Jūtaku) stands as one of Japan's most beautifully preserved examples of an 18th-century farmhouse. Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1978, this thatched-roof dwelling offers visitors a rare and intimate glimpse into the everyday lives of farming families during the Edo period. With its remarkably archaic construction techniques, minimal alterations over the centuries, and a dramatic story of rescue from a dam reservoir, the Hatayama Residence is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to experience Japan's authentic rural heritage.

A History Rooted in the Mountains of Hiroshima

The Hatayama Family Residence is believed to have been built around the mid-18th century, based on analysis of its construction methods and structural style. It originally stood in the hamlet of Haizuka in what was then Misarasaka-chō, Futami District (now part of Miyoshi City), a mountainous area in the north-central part of Hiroshima Prefecture. The house served as the home of the Hatayama family, farmers who cultivated the surrounding hillside fields for generations.

For over two centuries, the residence remained largely unchanged — a testament both to the quality of its original construction and to the careful stewardship of the family who lived there. However, in the late 20th century, the construction of Haizuka Dam threatened to submerge the entire hamlet beneath a new reservoir. Recognizing the irreplaceable cultural value of the residence, authorities undertook a meticulous relocation project between 1997 and 1999. The house was carefully disassembled, moved to the nearby Nozomigaoka residential area, and painstakingly reconstructed to restore it to its original appearance at the time of construction.

Why Was the Hatayama Residence Designated an Important Cultural Property?

The Hatayama Family Residence was designated as an Important Cultural Property (重要文化財) by the Japanese government on January 21, 1978. Several factors contributed to this distinguished recognition.

First and foremost, the residence preserves remarkably archaic construction techniques that are far older in style than the building's actual construction date would suggest. The thick, roughly hewn polygonal pillars of the upper framework — particularly in the earthen-floor area — are made from naturally curved timbers, creating a visually striking array of robust columns. This use of irregular, multi-angled pillars is a hallmark of much earlier Japanese building traditions, making the Hatayama Residence an invaluable record of evolving architectural practices in rural Japan.

Secondly, the house has undergone very few modifications since its construction. The original layout, structural framework, and many interior features remain intact, providing researchers and visitors alike with an authentic picture of mid-Edo period farmhouse design. The excellent state of preservation was another key consideration in its designation.

Finally, the building's standard four-room plan (整形四間取, seikei yoma-dori) represents a classic and well-executed example of the regional farmhouse layout found in the mountainous interior of the Chūgoku region, making it an important benchmark for the study of traditional Japanese vernacular architecture.

Architectural Highlights and What to See

The Hatayama Family Residence is a single-story structure built in the irimoya-zukuri style (a hipped-and-gabled roof form) with a thatched kayabuki roof. The main framework measures approximately 14.9 meters in span and 9.1 meters in depth, with an additional half-bay lean-to extension (geya) encircling all four sides.

A Dramatic Rescue: Relocation from the Haizuka Dam Site

One of the most compelling chapters in the story of the Hatayama Residence is its rescue from the rising waters of Haizuka Dam. When the dam project was approved, the original site of the house was designated as part of the area to be submerged. Rather than lose this nationally significant cultural property, a comprehensive relocation project was carried out from 1997 to 1999.

During the relocation, craftspeople carefully dismantled the entire structure, documented and numbered each component, transported them to the new site at the Nozomigaoka housing development area, and rebuilt the house. The relocation also provided an opportunity to remove later additions and restore the residence to what researchers believed was its original mid-18th century appearance. Today, visitors can appreciate the building in a condition that closely resembles how it looked when it was first built nearly 270 years ago.

Surrounding Attractions and Things to Do

The Hatayama Residence is located near Haizuka Dam and the surrounding natural landscape of northern Miyoshi City, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your visit into a full day of exploration.

• Haizuka Dam and Chi-wa Wetland: One of Japan's largest biotopes, the Chi-wa Wetland (知和ウエットランド) was completed in 2007 as part of the dam's environmental coexistence program. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, kayaking, and nature walks around the reservoir.
• Miyoshi Mononoke Museum: Japan's first museum dedicated to yōkai (supernatural creatures), featuring the Yumoto Kōichi Collection and interactive TeamLab exhibits. Located in central Miyoshi City, about 25 minutes by car.
• Miyoshi Winery: A popular winery where visitors can tour the production facilities, sample local wines, and enjoy barbecue with Hiroshima wagyu beef.
• Hiroshima Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore: Located in the Miyoshi Fudoki-no-Oka area alongside one of the largest ancient burial mound clusters in the Chūgoku region.
• Okuda Genso and Sayume Art Museum: A fine art museum featuring works by Miyoshi-born Japanese painter Okuda Genso and doll artist Okuda Sayume, both recipients of the Order of Culture.

Visiting Information and Access

The Hatayama Family Residence is open to visitors on designated days throughout the year, with a calendar published by the Miyoshi City Board of Education. If you wish to visit on a day not listed on the calendar, you may contact the Cultural Affairs and Learning Division (文化と学びの課) of the Miyoshi City Board of Education in advance to arrange a viewing.

The residence is located approximately 1.5 kilometers east of JR Misarasaka Station on the Fukuen Line. By car, it is about 15 minutes from either the Miyoshi Interchange or the Shōbara Interchange on the Chūgoku Expressway. As the site is in a rural area, visiting by car is recommended for the most convenient access.

Please note that information such as opening hours and visiting arrangements may change, so it is advisable to check with Miyoshi City beforehand, especially if you are traveling from a distance.