Someya Family Residence 染谷家住宅

Scenic, elegant restored country manor

The Someya family residence, a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property, has eight buildings, including the main house and Nagayamon Gate. The residence, dating back to the late Edo to Taisho periods, is representative of a village headman's residence. The approach to the house and the surrounding bamboo thickets are part of the appeal and the site is recognized as nationally significant place of scenic beauty. When I visited, one of the family's descendants attended to give tours and explanations of the architecture and family life. The post and beam structure is made from massive timber from local forests. Much of the residents' furnishings - tansu and artwork - remain in the house. There is a gravel parking lot in front of the house. Note that the house is open to the public only on Sundays.