Tour a Grand Merchant's Residence That Prospered from Silver Mining and Experience Historic Daily Life
About this spot
This merchant house, Omori's largest-scale commercial building, is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The Kumagai family operated widely across silver mining, sake brewing, and finance, while also serving as representatives to the magistrate's office—Omori's foremost merchant house. The main residence features formal reception rooms, business offices, and spacious kitchens in succession, while the storehouse preserves numerous household items including bowls, dishes, and lacquerware. The exhibits recreate "merchant family living" through seasonal arrangements, and as you observe the kitchen hearths and wells, you can almost envision the bustling atmosphere of the many servants who once worked here. You can physically sense the prosperity that silver mine wealth brought to the town from the perspective of residential architecture.
Tips
Remove your shoes for interior viewing, so wearing easily removable footwear is recommended. With many points of interest throughout the rooms and storehouses, allow plenty of time. There is no parking within the town center, so visit on foot.
Best time to visit
Approximately 1 hour. In the afternoon, light filtering through shoji screens into the reception rooms is particularly beautiful, highlighting the seasonal décor.
Access & map
〒694-0305 Ota City, Shimane Prefecture, Omori Town ハ63 (島根県大田市大森町ハ６３)
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