Hagi Castle - Kikuya and Kubota Residences

I don't normally post much about merchant houses but these two were exceptional in that they are in the heart of the area typically reserved for high ranking samurai. They are also exceptional historical artifacts. Kikuya Residence The Kikuya served not only as official merchants (御用商人) of

Hagi Castle - Kikuya and Kubota Residences

菊屋家住宅と久保田家住宅

I don't normally post much about merchant houses but these two were exceptional in that they are in the heart of the area typically reserved for high ranking samurai. They are also exceptional historical artifacts.

Kikuya Residence The Kikuya served not only as official merchants (御用商人) of the Mori but also as key political and diplomatic intermediaries. The residence is one of the best-preserved and wealthiest merchant homes in Japan, with five buildings designated as National Important Cultural Properties. It also functioned as a Honjin (本陣). The Kikuya family traces its lineage to samurai retainers who served the Ōuchi clan in Yamaguchi. Following the downfall of the Ōuchi in the mid-16th century, the family transitioned to commerce, later aligning itself with the Mōri clan as their official merchants.

After the Battle of Sekigahara (1600), the Kikuya family played a crucial role in funding and facilitating the move to Hagi and helped to establish commerce in the fledgling castle town. As a reward for their loyalty and contributions, they were granted a large estate in the heart of Hagi, reflecting their status and close ties to the domain’s ruling family.

Throughout the Edo period, the Kikuya served not only as economic pillars of Hagi but also as key political and diplomatic intermediaries. Their wealth and influence allowed them to host important dignitaries, merchants, and envoys, including officials from the Tokugawa shogunate. The residence, originally constructed in 1652, features architectural elements blending both samurai and merchant traditions, reflecting the family’s unique social standing.

One notable feature is the nagayamon gate, through which only high-ranking samurai were permitted to enter. A large stone slab in the garden was specifically placed to accommodate palanquins for visiting dignitaries, a clear indication of the residence’s high status in Edo-period society.

The interior has interesting artifacts from trade during the Edo Period and includes valuable documents that provide insights to the management of a wealthy Edo Period merchant house. The storehouses are particularly well-preserved, showcasing the storage methods used by merchants to protect valuable goods.

Kubota Residence The Kubota, known as shrewd negotiators, relocated from Omi (Shiga Prefecture) to Hagi in the mid to late 1800s as silk merchants. In Hagi they also expanded to sake, soy sauce, miso and more. The house features high ceilings and the small lattice windows (mushiko mado) on the second floor. There is a large storehouse in the back but the second floor was also used as storage as well as living quarters for staff.

Gallery

Kikuya Residence

Kubota Residence

Loading map...

Hagi Castle - Kikuya and Kubota Residences