The Former Kihara Family Residence in Shiraichi, Takaya-cho, is a townhouse built in 1665 and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The building is gabled and partially two-story, with the pillars in the earthen floor directly supporting the roof, a method known as Shitenbashira construction, which has not been seen since that time. There is also a corner house at the rear of the building, which is an ingenious way of expanding the space. The Kihara family, who are said to have originally been a branch of the Hiraga clan that built Hakusan Castle, were active as one of Geinan's wealthy merchants, operating in the sake brewing and salt fields during the Edo period. Cultural properties related to the Kihara family remain not only around Shiraichi, but also around Saijo Sakagura-dori, such as Aki Kokubunji and Entsuji temples.
INFORMATION
- business hours
- From April to November from 10:00 to 17:00
From December to March from 10:00 to 16:00
- Holidays
- Monday, December 28th to January 5th
- price
- General 150 yen, (free for people under 18 years old such as elementary, junior high and high school students) (135 yen per person for groups of 20 or more)
- address
- 〒739-21141046-1 Shiraichi, Takaya-cho, Higashi-Hiroshima City
- Phone Number
- 082-439-2525
- Parking notes
- Located near the entrance to the Shiraichi area