Yukawa Residence
This is easily one of the most captivating samurai residences I’ve visited. Nestled in an idyllic location away from the bustle of Hagi, it sits at the point where the Aibagawa River is diverted from the Matsumoto River, supplying fresh water to the samurai district. This is a man made waterway. O
Background
This is easily one of the most captivating samurai residences I’ve visited. Nestled in an idyllic location away from the bustle of Hagi, it sits at the point where the Aibagawa River is diverted from the Matsumoto River, supplying fresh water to the samurai district. This is a man made waterway.
One of the residence’s most striking features is its natural water system, where river water flows through the garden before returning to the river. The house also boasts two unique built-in washing basins that directly connect to the waterway—one located inside the kitchen and another in the bathhouse.
The extant nagayamon stands along the riverside, with a stone bridge crossing the river, creating a picturesque scene characteristic of homes along the Aibagawa—including the former Katsura Tarō residence, located just next door. While the original structure dates to the Edo period, certain sections were rebuilt during the Meiji period.
In 1993, the grandson of the last samurai to inhabit the residence donated the property to the city. It was subsequently restored and designated a City Historic Site
Videos
| Yukawa Residence Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Yukawa Residence |
| Japanese Name | 旧湯川家屋敷 |
| Year | 1800s |
| Residence Type | Middle Class |
| Designations | Local Historic Site |
| Features | Gates, Garden, House, Warehouses |
| Visitor Information | Open 9:00-17:00; 100 yen |
| Website | https://www.hagishi.com/search/detail.php?d=100085 |
| Location | Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture |
| Castle | Hagi Castle |
| Coordinates | 34.39713, 131.41018 |
| Hagi Castle and nearby Samurai Homes | |
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| Admin | |
| Visits | March 21, 2024 |
| Added Jcastle | 2025 |
| Contributor | Eric |
