Maekawa-tei, one of the Shinsengumi's lodging houses, symbolizes vice-commander Hijikata Toshizo's strict enforcement of the Kyokuchu Hatto code, which earned him the name 'Demon Vice-Commander.' Members who broke the code, including Yamanami Keisuke and Takeda Kanryusai, reportedly were ordered to commit seppuku here, reflecting Hijikata's harsh discipline.