Kuchiba Residence
The Kuchiba Residence is the only surviving original home of a high-ranking samurai (上級武士) in Hagi. The Kuchiba were the second highest ranking samurai after the senior retainers (家老). This senior position may also be reflected in their enviable residence location with a beautiful view on the banks
Background
The Kuchiba Residence is the only surviving original home of a high-ranking samurai (上級武士) in Hagi. The Kuchiba were the second highest ranking samurai after the senior retainers (家老). This senior position may also be reflected in their enviable residence location with a beautiful view on the banks of the river and at one end of the Horiuchi Kaimagari (personal opinion). When the Mōri clan relocated to Yamaguchi, the Kuchiba family remained in Hagi, entrusted with the domain’s administration. As a result, their residence was maintained throughout the Edo period.
As the only extant upper-class samurai residence in Hagi, the Kuchiba home offers valuable insights into the architecture of these upper class homes. One notable indicator of status is its higher ceilings, which set it apart from other surviving residences in the city. One of the home’s distinctive features is a small “hidden” room situated between the two main rooms, where a guard may have been stationed. Above the doorway, weapon hooks with sodegarami, naginata, and other weapons are on display, suggesting a readiness for defense.
The nagayamon (row gatehouse), which served as a guard station, stable, and storage area, remains an important feature. While the Kuchiba Residence’s website claims that its nagayamon is the largest in Hagi, a comparison with those of the Suu Residence, Asa Mori Residence, Kodama Residence, and Hanzawa Residence suggests otherwise. It is likely the claim refers to the largest nagayamon still attached to an existing residence rather than the largest overall.
Though the main house may appear small for a high-ranking samurai residence, it is important to note that only the original sections remain. Over time, other structures were demolished or rebuilt, but in 1974, when the residence was designated an Important Cultural Property, only the original Edo-period sections were preserved.
Videos
| Kuchiba Residence Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Kuchiba Residence |
| Japanese Name | 口羽家住宅 |
| Year | around 1800 |
| Residence Type | Upper Class |
| Designations | Important Cultural Property |
| Features | Gates, Garden, House |
| Visitor Information | open 9:00-17:00; closed 12/30～1/3、8/13～15; 100 yen admission |
| Website | https://www.hagishi.com/en/search/detail.php?d=100021 |
| Location | Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture |
| Castle | Hagi Castle |
| Coordinates | 34.4108, 131.38339 |
| Hagi Castle and nearby Samurai Homes | |
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| Admin | |
| Visits | Nov. 21, 2014; March 22, 2024 |
| Added Jcastle | 2018 |
| Contributor | Eric |
