the Former Nozaki Residence (旧野﨑家住宅)

Flow of the course

About this spot

This great mansion was built by Nozaki Buzaemon, the salt magnate who made his fortune developing irihama-style salt fields, and it is designated a National Important Cultural Property. On a site of roughly 3,000 tsubo, it is truly overwhelming in scale, with an imposing long gate house, a main house whose reception rooms continue deep into the interior, and rows of storehouses standing side by side. A dry landscape garden and a tea room also remain, letting you feel firsthand the underlying strength of Kojima, which flourished through the salt-making industry. The Salt Industry History Museum (塩業歴史館) on the grounds also has exhibits introducing the history of salt production, making this a fitting spot to close out your day, where you can meet another face of Kojima, the town of cruises and jeans.

Tips

Admission reception closes 30 minutes before closing time, so visit with plenty of time to spare. It is just a short walk from Kojima Jeans Street (児島ジーンズストリート), so you can drop by right after shopping. A dedicated parking lot is also available.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour. In the evening, soft light beautifully illuminates the white-walled mansion and garden.

Access & map

〒711-0913 岡山県倉敷市児島味野１丁目１１−１９