The Sailer Family Residence: Where Traditional Japanese Architecture Meets Classical Music
Nestled in the tranquil rural landscape of Goma in Hiyoshi-cho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture, the Sailer Family Residence Main House (ザイラー家住宅主屋) stands as an exquisite example of traditional Taisho-era farmhouse architecture. This nationally registered tangible cultural property, built in 1916, features a stunning thatched roof and classic irimoya-zukuri (hipped-gable) design. What makes this property truly extraordinary is its remarkable story—a century-old Japanese farmhouse that became the home of an internationally acclaimed piano duo, creating an enchanting fusion of Japanese rural heritage and European classical music.
History and Background of the Residence
The main house of the Sailer Family Residence was constructed in 1916 (Taisho 5) using reclaimed timber from a dismantled farmhouse in the former Seki Village (now Hiyoshi-cho). This practice of reusing high-quality old-growth timber was a common and resourceful tradition in Japanese rural architecture, ensuring that valuable building materials were preserved and given new life.
In 1972, Austrian pianist Ernst Sailer and his wife Kazuko Sailer, a distinguished Japanese pianist, purchased the property and its grounds. The couple, who had formed the internationally renowned "Sailer Piano Duo" that same year, chose this peaceful rural setting as their home and artistic sanctuary. Their decision to settle in the Goma district of Nantan City transformed this quiet farming village into a destination for music lovers from across Japan and the world.
The property comprises not only the main house but also the celebrated Kayabuki Music Hall—a former Zen temple main hall originally built in 1784 (Tenmei 4) in Fukui Prefecture, which was relocated and reconstructed on the site in 1989. Together, the main house and music hall form a culturally significant ensemble that embodies the harmonious coexistence of traditional Japanese architecture and the performing arts.
Why It Was Designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property
The Sailer Family Residence Main House was officially registered as a national tangible cultural property on August 3, 2006. The registration recognized several key architectural and cultural values that make this building worthy of preservation.
The main house is a single-story wooden structure with a thatched roof (kayabuki), covering a building area of 106 square meters. Its roof follows the irimoya-zukuri style—a traditional Japanese hipped-gable construction that combines elements of both hip and gable roofs, creating an elegant and distinctive silhouette. The ridgeline features kuragui (saddle timbers), a characteristic element of rural thatched-roof architecture.
The exterior walls are finished with shikkui (traditional lime plaster) with vertical board cladding (tateita-bari) reaching up to waist height. Lean-to extensions (geya) with tile roofs extend from the east, west, and south facades. These architectural features are representative of Taisho-period rural residential construction in the Tanba region of Kyoto Prefecture.
The property contributes significantly to preserving the traditional agricultural village landscape of the area. In an era when thatched-roof buildings are rapidly disappearing across Japan, the Sailer family's dedication to maintaining and preserving this structure helps safeguard an increasingly rare example of Japan's rural architectural heritage.
Highlights and Attractions
Magnificent Thatched Roof
The crowning glory of the main house is its beautifully maintained thatched roof. Thatched roofing (kayabuki) is one of Japan's most ancient building traditions, dating back to the Jomon period. The thick layer of kaya (miscanthus grass) provides excellent insulation, keeping the interior cool in summer and warm in winter. The irimoya-zukuri roofline creates a graceful profile against the surrounding mountain scenery, especially photogenic during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Traditional Farmhouse Architecture
The building preserves many original architectural features typical of rural Tanba region farmhouses. The plastered walls, wooden board cladding, and tile-roofed lean-to extensions demonstrate the functional yet aesthetically refined building techniques of the Taisho era. Visitors can appreciate how Japanese farm families adapted their homes to the local climate and topography.
Kayabuki Concerts
Since 1989, the property has hosted the celebrated "Kayabuki Concerts" each early summer and autumn. These concerts, held in the adjacent Kayabuki Music Hall, have welcomed over 100,000 visitors across more than 400 performances. So popular are these events that JR West has arranged special express train stops at Goma Station during concert days. Now continuing as the "Kazuko Sailer and Wonderful Musical Friends" series, these concerts offer an unparalleled experience of world-class classical music performed within a centuries-old thatched-roof setting.
Idyllic Rural Landscape
The property sits within a beautifully preserved agricultural landscape. Rice paddies, mountains, and traditional farmhouses create a quintessentially Japanese countryside scene. The setting offers a refreshing contrast to the urban bustle of nearby Kyoto City and provides visitors with a genuine taste of satoyama—the traditional Japanese landscape where human settlement meets the natural environment.
Surrounding Area and Nearby Attractions
The Goma area of Nantan City offers several attractions that complement a visit to the Sailer Family Residence. Hiyoshi Onsen, located near JR Hiyoshi Station, is a natural hot spring facility known as "Netsu no Yu" (Hot Spring of Warmth) for its exceptional heat-retaining properties—perfect for relaxing after a cultural excursion. The "Goma no Sato" area is known for its beautiful rural scenery, local agricultural products, and a relaxing countryside atmosphere.
For those interested in exploring more of rural Kyoto, the famous Miyama Kayabuki no Sato (Miyama Thatched Roof Village) is located further north in Nantan City, offering an entire village of preserved thatched-roof farmhouses. The broader "Mori no Kyoto" (Forest of Kyoto) region encompasses Nantan City along with Kameoka and Kyotamba, providing extensive opportunities for nature walks, traditional craft experiences, and local cuisine.
The "Sato no Eki Gomaya" adjacent to Goma Station serves as a charming rest stop where visitors can purchase fresh local vegetables, homemade jams, and bento boxes—ideal for a countryside picnic.
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Q＆A
- Can I visit the Sailer Family Residence Main House at any time?
- The property is a private residence and is generally open to the public only during the Kayabuki Concert events held in early summer and autumn. Please check the official website (kayabuki.com) for upcoming concert schedules and ticketing information.
- How do I get to the Sailer Family Residence from Kyoto City?
- Take the JR Sagano Line (San-in Main Line) from Kyoto Station to Goma Station. The journey takes approximately 50 to 60 minutes. From Goma Station, the residence is within walking distance. During Kayabuki Concert days, special express trains sometimes make stops at Goma Station.
- Is English support available during concerts?
- The concert organizers have been working to improve accessibility for international visitors, including foreign-language support from staff. As a concert of classical music, the musical experience itself transcends language barriers. It is advisable to check the official website for the latest information regarding multilingual services.
- What is the best season to visit?
- The Kayabuki Concerts are typically held in early summer (around June) and autumn (around October), making these the best times to visit. The surrounding landscape is particularly beautiful during these seasons, with lush green rice paddies in early summer and vibrant autumn foliage in October.
- What other cultural properties can I see on the same trip?
- The adjacent Kayabuki Music Hall (Sailer Family Residence Music Hall) is also a registered tangible cultural property. The wider Nantan City area includes other registered cultural properties such as the Nishio Family Residence and the Takezawa Family Residence. Further afield, the Miyama Kayabuki no Sato village offers a spectacular collection of preserved thatched-roof homes.
Basic Information
| Name | Sailer Family Residence Main House (ザイラー家住宅主屋) |
|---|---|
| Cultural Property Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) |
| Date of Registration | August 3, 2006 |
| Year of Construction | 1916 (Taisho 5) |
| Structure | Single-story wooden construction, thatched roof (kayabuki), irimoya-zukuri (hipped-gable style) |
| Building Area | 106 m² |
| Address | 2 Kamigoma Minami, Hiyoshi-cho, Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Access | Walk from JR Goma Station (Sagano Line / San-in Main Line); approximately 50–60 minutes from JR Kyoto Station |
| Public Viewing | Open during Kayabuki Concert events only (early summer and autumn) |
| Website | http://www.kayabuki.com |
References
- ザイラー家住宅主屋 - 文化遺産オンライン
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/185543
- ザイラー家住宅 – 京都登文会
- https://www.kyoto-tobunkai.org/catalogue/55.html
- カズコ・ザイラーさん（ピアニスト）- 南丹市
- https://www.city.nantan.kyoto.jp/www/gove/132/007/000/index_90639.html
- カズコ・ザイラー - KYOTOHOOP 京都府域文化芸術情報サイト
- https://kyotohoop.jp/creators/kazuko-seiler/
- かやぶき音楽堂 - 京都観光情報 KYOTOdesign
- https://kyoto-design.jp/spot/9965
- Kazuko Seiler Official Website
- https://kayabuki.com/kazuko.html
Last verified: 2026.03.23