One of Japan's oldest surviving townhouses — five early Edo-period buildings of the Mori domain's chief merchant family
Founded
1604
Type
Historic Site
Visited
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Access
About 15 min walk from JR Higashi-Hagi Station
1-1 Gofuku-machi, Hagi, Yamaguchi
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Info
Historic Site
Founded 1604
422 years
Overview
Kikuya Residence is one of Japan's oldest surviving townhouse structures, home to a prominent Hagi merchant family. Serving the Mori domain and housing shogunal inspectors, the Kikuya were among the most prestigious merchant families. Five buildings are designated Important Cultural Properties.
Origins
The Kikuya Residence is believed to have been established in 1604, when Mori Terumoto relocated to Hagi following the Battle of Sekigahara and developed the castle town. The Kikuya family rose to prominence as official merchants serving the Mori domain, supporting its finances and becoming one of th…