The House of a Merchant to the Hagi Domain
The Kikuya Family Residence (Gofuku-machi, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture) (菊屋家住宅(山口県萩市呉服町)) is the residence of the Kikuya family, wealthy merchants to the Hagi domain, in Gofuku-machi, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, whose main house, main storehouse, treasury, rice storehouse and cooking house were designated in 1974 as an Important Cultural Property.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records the main house as a mid-Edo gabled building 13.0 by 14.9 metres, owned by the Kikuya Residence Preservation Society.
The Agency notes that although much altered, the main house is extremely valuable as one of the oldest large townhouses in Japan.
The Buildings
The Agency records, besides the main house, two two-storey storehouses 12.7 and 6.0 metres long, another storehouse 11.8 metres long and a cooking house 6.0 metres long, all mid to late Edo.
The preservation society describes the main storehouse behind the main house, the treasury and rice storehouse along the side lane behind it, and the cooking house east of the treasury. The main house's date is uncertain, but it is said to be early Edo.
What to Look For
The Agency notes that the site is extensive, and that the west side, with the main house and several storehouses in a row, is a fine sight. The preservation society says the lane lined with the white and namako walls of the main house, treasury and rice storehouse is called Kikuya Yokocho and was chosen as one of Japan's 100 finest streets.
The society relates that the first head, Kikuya Yumi, came to Hagi with Mori Terumoto in 1604 and worked on the castle and town plan; later heads, all named Magobei, served the domain as merchants.
Visiting the Kikuya Family Residence (Gofuku-machi, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture)
The preservation society gives admission as 650 yen for adults, 350 yen for secondary students and 250 yen for primary pupils. Screens and scrolls granted by the domain lords and everyday objects are shown, and the normally closed new garden opens in spring and autumn.
Enquiries: Kikuya Residence, 0838-22-0005. Check opening hours on the official website.
Q&A
- When was the Kikuya residence designated?
- On 21 May 1974.
- Which buildings are designated?
- The main house, main storehouse, treasury, rice storehouse and cooking house.
- Why is it important?
- It is one of the oldest large townhouses in Japan, according to the Agency.
- What is Kikuya Yokocho?
- The lane lined with the family's white and namako walls, one of Japan's 100 finest streets.
- How much is admission?
- 650 yen for adults.
Basic Information
| Name | Kikuya Family Residence (Gofuku-machi, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture) (菊屋家住宅(山口県萩市呉服町)) |
|---|---|
| Location | 1-1 Gofukumachi, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture |
| Designation | Important Cultural Property (building) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1974/5/21 (Showa 49) |
| Quantity | 5 buildings |
| Dimensions | Main house 13.0 by 14.9 metres, gabled |
| Owner | Kikuya Residence Preservation Society |
| Public Access | Admission 650 yen for adults |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Kikuya Family Residence (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/3222
- Kikuya Residence: About (Japanese)
- https://kikuyake.com/about
- Kikuya Residence: Visitor Information (Japanese)
- https://kikuyake.com/guide
Last verified: 2026.09.28
Cultural Treasures in the Same Area
All are within walking distance in the same area, so we recommend visiting them together.
- Kikuya Family Residence (Gofukucho, Hagi City, Yamaguchi rice storehouse 0.00 km
- Kikuya Family Residence (Gofukucho, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Kinzo 0.01 km
- Kikuya Family Residence (Gofukucho, Hagi City, Yamaguchi boiler 0.01 km
- Kikuya Family Residence (Gofukucho, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Main storehouse 0.02 km
- Kikuya Family Residence (Gofukucho, Hagi City, Yamaguchi Main house 0.04 km