Yamaguchi Family Residence – Taikokyo

Highlight

The kitchen’s cooking range is still in working order and used for events

An old residency that speaks of a certain kind of lifestyle

The whole of the Matsuo-Yamada area was the manor of Count Hamuro in the Heian period. The stewards of the manor were the Yamaguchi family. And, this museum is on land that has been the family home for 400 years. The family head also was the head of Yamada village during the Edo period. The name of the house “Taikokyo” means “the house with the aroma of moss”. And, in the garden, there are many types of mosses and lichens covering whole areas, offering a superb contrast against the autumn hues of the garden trees, which are just one of the floral delights this garden offers visitors.
The late Edo gatehouse with its long ridge covered in thatch and its contemporary main house together with a Meiji annex, storehouse and tea room make up the museum. The three buildings are all nationally registered Tangible Cultural Properties.
There are old wedding kimonos on display. And, in spring and autumn there are events and tea ceremonies held and the buildings and garden are open for viewing.